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S&F II: Exam 3 > Aging > Flashcards

Flashcards in Aging Deck (12)
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0
Q

Common causes of dementia

A
  1. Alzheimer’s
  2. Vascular- due to ischemic changes

3 Lewy Body- occurs due to falls; Parkinson’s

1
Q

Impairment in elderly immune system

A

Due to increased cortisol from increased sympathetic fnxn

2
Q

Sleep changes in elderly

A

-Less nocturnal sleep; less N3/REM sleep

3
Q

Polypharmacy

A

Over-prescription of drugs to elderly; increases the risk of cognitive changes and urinary incontinence

-Especially sensitive to drugs that modulate Ach fnxn

4
Q

Syncope

A

Sudden loss of consciousness; common in elderly

Can be caused by:
Cardiac disease
Hypotension
Drugs
CNS abnormalities 
Respiratory problems
5
Q

Spousal bereavement

A

Stress symptoms highest a few months following death of spouse; better at the end of a year

-Adds to feelings of isolation, loneliness

6
Q

Mental illness occurrences

A

All usually occur more commonly in younger people EXCEPT dementia

7
Q

Pseudodementia

A

“Dementia Syndrome of Depression”

Cognitive impairment caused by lasting depression; can be confused w/ regular dementia

  • Symptoms can be variable; unlike in true dementia
    • Pts. display frustration when performing cognitive tasks unlike apathy seen in normal dementia
8
Q

Anxiety Disorders

A

Most common psychiatric disorders in geriatric population

-Commonly results in phobias; occurs earlier in life usually

9
Q

Korsakoff’s Syndrome

A

Cognitive impairment

Confabulation

Memory impairment

Personality changes

*Due to chronic alcohol abuse

10
Q

Sudden onset of delusions/hallucinations in adults

A

Always expect alcohol withdrawl

11
Q

Ageism

A

Discrimination against adults; portrays elderly as senile/unimportant