Aging

Question 0

Common causes of dementia

Answer 0

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

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

Question 1

Impairment in elderly immune system

Answer 1

Due to increased cortisol from increased sympathetic fnxn

Question 2

Sleep changes in elderly

Answer 2

-Less nocturnal sleep; less N3/REM sleep

Question 3

Polypharmacy

Answer 3

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

-Especially sensitive to drugs that modulate Ach fnxn

Question 4

Syncope

Answer 4

Sudden loss of consciousness; common in elderly

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

Question 5

Spousal bereavement

Answer 5

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

-Adds to feelings of isolation, loneliness

Question 6

Mental illness occurrences

Answer 6

All usually occur more commonly in younger people EXCEPT dementia

Question 7

Pseudodementia

Answer 7

“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

Question 8

Anxiety Disorders

Answer 8

Most common psychiatric disorders in geriatric population

-Commonly results in phobias; occurs earlier in life usually

Question 9

Korsakoff’s Syndrome

Answer 9

Cognitive impairment

Confabulation

Memory impairment

Personality changes

*Due to chronic alcohol abuse

Question 10

Sudden onset of delusions/hallucinations in adults

Answer 10

Always expect alcohol withdrawl

Question 11

Ageism

Answer 11

Discrimination against adults; portrays elderly as senile/unimportant