A progressive, irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and physical functioning.
Alzheimer's disease
Inflammation of the bronchi (the main air passages to the lungs).
Bronchitis
A general term for the loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgment, and disorientation.
Dementia
Care provided to elderly individuals.
Geriatric care
Excessive or frequent urination at night.
Nocturia
Thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, occurring typically in old age.
Arteriosclerosis
A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to a decrease in vision.
Cataracts
A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Disability
The scientific study of aging and the problems of the elderly.
Gerontology
A specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families to investigate and resolve complaints and protect resident rights.
Ombudsman
Inflammation of a joint or joints.
Arthritis
Also known as a stroke; occurs when blood flow to a portion of the brain is interrupted, resulting in damage to brain cells.
Cerebrovascular accident
Any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body.
Disease
An eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure, which can lead to blindness if untreated.
Glaucoma
A condition in which the bones become porous and brittle, making them easy to fracture.
Osteoporosis
A specific type of arteriosclerosis where fatty plaques (cholesterol) deposit on the inner walls of the arteries, narrowing the passage for blood flow.
Atherosclerosis
The values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next.
Culture
Difficulty in swallowing.
Dysphagia
The inability to control urination (bladder) or defecation (bowels).
Incontinence
Activities and techniques used to help confused or disoriented individuals maintain awareness of person, time, and place.
The right of self-determination or personal freedom; the ability to make one's own decisions.
Autonomy
A state of temporary but acute mental confusion, often caused by treatable physical illness (like infection or dehydration).
Delirium
A chronic lung condition where the alveoli (air sacs) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
Emphysema
False beliefs or misconceptions (specifically regarding the elderly in the context of DHO).
Myths
Dark yellow or brown colored spots on the skin; commonly called "liver spots" or "age spots."
Senile lentigines