Ch.09 Geriatric Care
Alzheimer's disease
a form of dementia that causes progressive changes in brain cells
bronchitis
in which the bronchioloes become inflamed
dementia
loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgement, personality change, and disorientation
geriatric care
care provided to older individuals
nocturia
urination at night
arteriosclerosis
the hardening and stiffening of the arteries
cataracts
where the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque
disability
a physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions
gerontology
the scientific study of aging and the problems of the old
ombudsman
specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families, health care providers, and other concerned individuals to improve quality of care and quality of life
arthritis
inflammation of the joints
cerebrovascular accident
stoke, damages brain cells
disease
is usually defined as any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body
glaucoma
a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision, is also more common in the elderly
osteoporosis
a condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones, causes the bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture or break
atherosclerosis
thickening or hardening of the arteries
culture
the values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next
dysphagia
difficult swallowing
incontinence
inability to control urination
reality orientation
consists of activities that help promote awareness of the person, time, and place
autonomy
self-governance or the ability to decide for oneself by making choices and pursuing a course of action
delirium
confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable condition
emphysema
in which alveoli lose their elasticity
myths
false beliefs
senile lentigines
dark yellow or brown spots