Ch. 09 Geriatric Care
A form of dementia that causes progressive changes in brain cells.
Alzheimer's disease (AD)
A chronic condition in which the bronchioles become inflamed, decreasing the efficiency and function of the respiratory system
Autonomy
Also called brain syndrome; a loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgment, personality change, and disorientation
Dementia
Care provided to older individuals
Geriatric care
Urination at night, which is common and disrupts the sleep pattern
Nocturia
A condition in which the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose their elasticity
Arteriosclerosis
A condition where the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque
Cataracts
A physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions
Disability
The scientific study of aging and the problems of the old
Gerontology
A specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families to improve quality of care and life, investigate complaints, and monitor regulations
Ombudsman
An inflammation of the joints, causing them to become stiff, less flexible, and painful
Arthritis
Also known as a stroke, which damages brain cells
Cerebrovascular accident
Any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body
Disease
A condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision
Glaucoma
A condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones, causing them to become brittle and more likely to fracture or break
Osteoporosis
A condition where vessels become narrow because of deposits of fat and minerals, such as calcium
Atherosclerosis
The values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next
Culture
Difficult swallowing
Dysphagia
The inability to control urination
Incontinence
Activities that help promote awareness of person, time, and place.
Reality orientation (RO)
Self-governance or the ability to decide for oneself by making choices and pursuing a course of action
Autonomy
A term used when confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable physical or psychosocial condition
Delirium
A chronic condition in which the alveoli lose their elasticity
Emphysema
False beliefs regarding aging and elderly individuals
Myths
Dark yellow or brown colored spots on the skin, frequently called "liver spots"
Senile lentigines