CHAPTER 3_BS_aging_death_bereavement_extended_flashcards

Question 1

What percentage of the U.S. population is over 65 years old?

Answer 1

More than 15%.

Question 2

What is the fastest-growing segment of the aging population?

Answer 2

People over age 85.

Question 3

What are key strategies for preventing osteoporosis?

Answer 3

Weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D intake, medications like alendronate or teriparatide.

Question 4

Name some typical physical changes associated with aging.

Answer 4

Decline in strength, vision, hearing, immunity; decreased brain weight; enlarged ventricles.

Question 5

What happens to neurotransmitter levels in aging?

Answer 5

Decreased norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA, and acetylcholine; increased monoamine oxidase.

Question 6

What is Erikson’s psychosocial stage for late adulthood?

Answer 6

Integrity vs. Despair.

Question 7

What is pseudodementia?

Answer 7

A condition where depression mimics Alzheimer’s disease.

Question 8

What are common sleep changes in the elderly?

Answer 8

Loss of sleep quality, reduced delta sleep, and more fragmented sleep.

Question 9

What is the average life expectancy in the U.S.?

Answer 9

About 78.6 years.

Question 10

What is the longest-lived ethnic group in the U.S.?

Answer 10

Hispanic Americans.

Question 11

List the five stages of dying according to Kübler-Ross.

Answer 11

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.

Question 12

Define denial as a stage of dying.

Answer 12

Refusal to believe or accept the reality of the situation.

Question 13

What is the primary role of a physician during a patient’s dying process?

Answer 13

Provide support and clear communication.

Question 14

What is an anniversary reaction?

Answer 14

Grief recurrence on significant dates related to a loved one.

Question 15

What distinguishes typical grief from complicated grief?

Answer 15

Typical grief resolves within 1-2 years; complicated grief involves persistent severe symptoms lasting beyond 2 months.

Question 16

What is the ethical standard for determining death?

Answer 16

Cessation of all brain functions, including the brainstem.

Question 17

What are typical symptoms of complicated grief?

Answer 17

Intense guilt, suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal.

Question 18

What is the mortality risk for close relatives in the first year of bereavement?

Answer 18

Higher mortality rate, especially in widowed men.

Question 19

What should physicians avoid when managing terminal patients?

Answer 19

Emotional detachment.

Question 20

Name interventions for managing complicated grief.

Answer 20

Antidepressants, psychotherapy, increased physician contact.

Question 21

Which neurotransmitter changes are associated with psychiatric symptoms in aging?

Answer 21

Decreased norepinephrine, dopamine, acetylcholine; increased monoamine oxidase.

Question 22

What is a common misdiagnosis for depression in the elderly?

Answer 22

Alzheimer’s disease (pseudodementia).

Question 23

What is the recommended response for a physician when an elderly patient asks about their spouse’s death?

Answer 23

Tell the truth while providing emotional support.

Question 24

Which medications should be avoided in elderly patients for sleep disturbances?

Answer 24

Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) due to delirium risk.

Question 25

What psychological changes occur during late adulthood?

Answer 25

Development of ego integrity or despair.

Question 26

What percentage of brain weight is typically lost by age 90?

Answer 26

About 10%.

Question 27

What happens to reaction time as people age?

Answer 27

It slows down.

Question 28

What is the most common psychiatric disorder in the elderly?

Answer 28

Depression.

Question 29

What is the term for depression mimicking dementia?

Answer 29

Pseudodementia.

Question 30

Which sleep stage is most reduced in the elderly?

Answer 30

Delta (slow-wave) sleep.

Question 31

What factors increase the risk of complicated grief?

Answer 31

Sudden death, unresolved issues, lack of social support.

Question 32

What is the mortality rate comparison for widowers versus widows?

Answer 32

Widowers have a higher mortality rate than widows after bereavement.

Question 33

How does bereavement typically affect physical health?

Answer 33

Increased susceptibility to illnesses and higher mortality.

Question 34

What is a physician's ethical obligation in discussing terminal illness?

Answer 34

To provide honest information with compassion.

Question 35

What are common physical signs of aging?

Answer 35

Decreased muscle mass, vision decline (presbyopia), hearing loss (presbycusis).

Question 36

What neurotransmitter change contributes to slower cognition in aging?

Answer 36

Reduced acetylcholine activity.

Question 37

Which cognitive functions are typically preserved in normal aging?

Answer 37

Vocabulary and general knowledge.

Question 38

What is the difference between typical grief and depression in the elderly?

Answer 38

Grief involves fluctuating mood; depression involves persistent low mood.

Question 39

What role do physicians play in managing grief?

Answer 39

Providing support and identifying signs of complicated grief.

Question 40

What physical symptoms might be confused with aging but indicate depression?

Answer 40

Fatigue, weight loss, and insomnia.

Question 41

Name two neurotransmitters that decrease in aging and affect mood.

Answer 41

Norepinephrine and serotonin.

Question 42

What is the impact of exercise on aging brains?

Answer 42

It can improve cognitive function and slow cognitive decline.

Question 43

What is the average age of first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

Answer 43

Typically in the late 60s or early 70s.

Question 44

How does Alzheimer's differ from typical aging?

Answer 44

Alzheimer's involves significant memory and functional decline, unlike normal aging.

Question 45

Which antidepressants are preferred for elderly patients?

Answer 45

SSRIs, due to fewer side effects compared to older antidepressants.

Question 46

How do elderly patients typically present with major depression?

Answer 46

With somatic complaints rather than mood complaints.

Question 47

What is one risk of benzodiazepines in elderly patients?

Answer 47

Increased risk of falls and cognitive impairment.

Question 48

What is the physiological marker for sleep disturbances in aging?

Answer 48

Decreased melatonin production.

Question 49

What is the best non-pharmacological treatment for insomnia in elderly patients?

Answer 49

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

Question 50

How should doctors approach end-of-life care discussions?

Answer 50

With cultural sensitivity and clear communication.

Question 51

What is the role of hospice care?

Answer 51

To provide comfort and support for terminally ill patients and their families.

Question 52

Name a key factor in determining grief versus complicated grief.

Answer 52

Duration and severity of symptoms beyond cultural norms.

Question 53

What is the most significant predictor of life satisfaction in old age?

Answer 53

Strong social support networks.

Question 54

How does bereavement influence immune function?

Answer 54

It suppresses immune response, increasing susceptibility to infections.

Question 55

What pharmacological options are effective for complicated grief?

Answer 55

Antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs.