Geriatric Care - Key Terms
Alzheimer's disease
a form of dementia that causes progressive changes in
Arteriosclerosis
a condition in which the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose their elasticity, which is common in an elderly
Arthritis
an inflammation of the joints, causing them to be stiff and painful
Atherosclerosis
when the vessels are narrow due to the fats and mineral like calcium
Autonomy
self- governance or the ability to decide for yourself by making choices and pursuing your own choice of action which can be irritating
Bronchitis
when the bronchioles become inflamed and decrease the efficiency and function of the respiratory system
Cataracts
where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque
Cerebrovascular accident
stroke which can damage your brain cells
Culture
values, beliefs, customs, characteristics and ideas that are passed from one generation to another
Delirium
when confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable condition
Dementia
also known as brain syndrome which is a loss of mental ability characterized by a disease of intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgement, personality change, and disorientation
Disability
a physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal function
Disease
any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body
Dysphagia
difficulty swallowing
Emphysema
the alveoli losing its elasticity
Geriatric care
care provided to older individuals
Gerontology
scientific study of aging and problems of the old
Glaucoma
a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision
Incontinence
the inability to control urination
Myths
false beliefs
Nocturia
urination at night
Ombudsman
specially trained individual who works with elderly people and their family which provide health cares and others who are concerned about improving their quality and care of life
Osteoporosis
a condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones and causes it to become brittle and likely to break
Reality orientation
activities that can help increase awareness of person, time and place
Senile lentigines
dark yellow or brown colored sports