Cognition in the Aging Adult

Question 1

What is the most common psychological mood problem in older adults?

Answer 1

Depression

Question 2

What percentage of hospitalized older adults are depressed?

Answer 2

Approximately 40%

Question 3

What are major contributors to depression in older adults?

Answer 3

Loss of health and enforced dependence

Question 4

What are some predominant characteristics of depression?

Answer 4

• sadness
• hopelessness
• loss of interest

Question 5

What cognitive problems are associated with clinical depression?

Answer 5

• difficulty concentrating
• memory complaints
• slowed thinking
• indecisiveness

Question 6

What somatic symptoms are associated with depression?

Answer 6

• appetite problems
• sleep issues
• psychomotor function disturbances

Question 7

What is required for a major depressive episode diagnosis?

Answer 7

At least 5 symptoms present during a 2-week period

Question 8

Name two screening questions for depression.

Answer 8

• ‘Have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?’
• ‘Have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?’

Question 9

What are examples of psychomotor retardation?

Answer 9

Physical difficulty performing activities such as walking up stairs or getting out of bed

Question 10

What is adjustment disorder with depressed mood?

Answer 10

Emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor within 3 months

Question 11

What is mood disorder due to a medical condition?

Answer 11

Depression caused directly by a physiological consequence of a medical condition

Question 12

What is dysthymic disorder?

Answer 12

A depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, over a period of at least 2 years

Question 13

What are the symptoms of major depressive episode?

Answer 13

• depressed mood
• diminished interest in activities
• weight change
• sleep disturbance
• psychomotor changes
• fatigue, worthlessness
• cognitive impairments
• suicidal ideation

Question 14

What differentiates adjustment disorder from clinical depression?

Answer 14

The response to stressor is excessive and causes significant impairment in social or occupational functioning

Question 15

What is a common medical condition that can cause mood disorder?

Answer 15

Hypothyroidism

Question 16

What is the difference between dysthymic disorder and major depressive episode?

Answer 16

Dysthymic disorder is chronic and less severe, while major depressive episode is acute and more severe

Question 17

What is the typical duration of medication treatment for depression in older adults?

Answer 17

6 months to 2 years

Question 18

What is a key role of physical therapists in managing depression in older adults?

Answer 18

Educating patients and their families on the benefits of medications and encouraging physical activity

Question 19

How does psychotherapy help in managing depression?

Answer 19

By teaching patients to recognize and modify faulty thoughts or behaviors

Question 20

How does chronic musculoskeletal pain relate to depression?

Answer 20

Stress and activity interferences from pain can increase depression

Question 21

What factors are related to decreased depression in those with chronic pain?

Answer 21

Positive pain coping mechanisms and social/family support

Question 22

What impact can physical illness have on older adults?

Answer 22

It can result in permanent disability and reliance on others for self-care

Question 23

How does enforced dependence affect older adults?

Answer 23

It may cause loss of dignity, a sense of being a burden, and fear of institutionalization

Question 24

Can all individuals with disability or dependence develop depression?

Answer 24

No, individual perspectives and expectations play a significant role

Question 25

What are the main treatment strategies for depression in older adults?

Answer 25

Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and exercise/physical activity

Question 26

What percentage of older adults respond to depression medications?

Answer 26

60-80%

Question 27

What type of exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms?

Answer 27

Both progressive resistance exercise and aerobic exercise

Question 28

How can physical therapists contribute to reducing healthcare costs related to depression?

Answer 28

By incorporating exercise interventions that mediate symptoms of depression

Question 29

Why is it important to set realistic goals in managing depression?

Answer 29

To ensure achievable progress and avoid overwhelming the patient

Question 30

What is the most common type of dementia?

Answer 30

Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

Question 31

What percentage of individuals older than 65 have Alzheimer's Disease?

Answer 31

Approximately 13%

Question 32

What are the three pathologic changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's Disease?

Answer 32

* 1. Amyloid plaques * 2. Neurofibrillary tangles * 3. Loss of connections between neurons

Question 33

What is vascular dementia?

Answer 33

Dementia caused by cerebrovascular disease, often resulting from strokes

Question 34

What are the risk factors for vascular dementia?

Answer 34

* hypertension * smoking * hypercholesterolemia * diabetes * cardiovascular disease

Question 35

What is Lewy body dementia?

Answer 35

Dementia characterized by cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and Parkinsonian motor symptoms

Question 36

What are the core symptoms of Lewy body dementia?

Answer 36

* fluctuations in alertness * recurrent visual hallucinations * Parkinsonian symptoms

Question 37

What is the difference between dementia and pseudodementia?

Answer 37

Pseudodementia mimics dementia but is usually due to depression and is reversible

Question 38

What are common symptoms of cognitive decline in normal aging?

Answer 38

Mild changes in visual and verbal memory, visuospatial abilities, and immediate memory

Question 39

How can older adults maintain cognitive health?

Answer 39

By engaging in physical activities, cognitively stimulating activities, and social interactions

Question 40

What are the three dimensions of burnout syndrome?

Answer 40

Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduction of personal fulfillment

Question 41

What are common mental effects of caregiver burnout?

Answer 41

Low self-esteem, anxiety, frustration, lack of concentration, headaches, insomnia

Question 42

What behavioral changes can occur due to caregiver burnout?

Answer 42

Increased consumption of caffeine, tranquilizers, and licit drugs

Question 43

What is a major risk associated with caregiver burnout?

Answer 43

Early patient institutionalization and increased caregiver health problems

Question 44

What is a common mistake when working with patients with dementia?

Answer 44

Assuming all symptoms are due to dementia and not considering other factors

Question 45

What is an effective strategy for communicating with dementia patients?

Answer 45

Using clear, simple steps and not relying solely on verbal communication

Question 46

How can PTs help maximize functional abilities in dementia patients?

Answer 46

By assisting with activities, changing the environment, and providing safe, meaningful activities

Question 47

What is the role of physical activity in managing dementia?

Answer 47

It helps in maintaining cognitive function and reducing symptoms of depression

Question 48

How does anesthesia affect older adults differently?

Answer 48

Elderly have age-related losses in cerebral reserve, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and slower drug elimination rates

Question 49

Why is post-operative cognitive disorder (POCD) a concern in older adults?

Answer 49

Due to the neurotoxic properties of many anesthetics and their poorer tolerance by the elderly

Question 50

psychomotor agitation

Answer 50

more agitated (anxiety) and restless as a symptom of the depression