10 Questions
What is the age range for the 'young old' stage?
65-75
What is senescence?
Normal age-related changes in the organ systems
What is the primary cause of heart failure in older adults?
Damaged heart muscle due to myocardial infarction or hypertension
What is the result of calcification in older adults?
The deposition of calcium and calcium salts in abnormal locations
What is atrial fibrillation caused by?
Changes in the pacemaker cells in the atrium
What is the main danger of atrial fibrillation (AF)?
Formation of blood clots in the right atrium
What is a common consequence of left-sided heart failure?
Right-sided heart failure
What is the greatest risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Smoking
What percentage of dementia cases are attributed to Alzheimer’s disease?
60%-80%
What is a common symptom of pneumonia in geriatric patients?
All of the above
Study Notes
Three Stages of Old Age
- Young Old (65-75): Characterized by wrinkles, skin pigmentation, grey hair, and vision loss due to cataracts and hearing loss
- Old (75-85): Marked by increased decline in physical functions and increased risk of illness
- Oldest Old (>85): Highest risk of age-related diseases and disabilities
Age-Related Changes
- Senescence: Normal age-related changes in organ systems
- Sclerosis: Hardening of tissue due to fibrous tissue overgrowth
- Stenosis: Narrowing or constricting of a passage or orifice
- Atrophy: Wasting away or decrease in the size of an organ
- Calcification: Abnormal deposition of calcium and calcium salts in blood vessels and other tissues
- AP Diameter Increase: Increased residual volume in the lungs, making it difficult to exhale all the air out
Common Cardiovascular Health Issues
- Heart and Vascular Disease: Hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction caused by sclerotic changes in blood vessels and heart muscle
- Heart Failure: Often caused by myocardial infarction or hypertension, resulting in decreased contractility
- Atrial Fibrillation: Caused by changes in pacemaker cells in the atrium, leading to rapid twitching and increased risk of blood clots and stroke
- Treatment: Beta-blockers are often prescribed to help with arrhythmias
Common Respiratory Health Issues
- Pneumonia: Restrictive disease characterized by decreased lung elastic recoil, weakened cough reflex, and impaired swallowing
- Risk Factors: Bacterial, viral, and aspiration pneumonia, as well as diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis
- Symptoms: Anorexia, tachypnea, shortness of breath, and productive cough
- Education: Patients should be educated to stop smoking to prevent chronic respiratory diseases
Common Neurological Health Issues
- Dementia: Permanent loss of memory and cognitive decline affecting social and occupational functioning
- Alzheimer's Disease: Accounts for 60%-80% of dementia cases, affecting 6.5 million Americans
- Symptoms: Loss of ability to think, reason, and remember, interfering with communication and relationships
Test your knowledge of the three stages of old age, including physical changes, age-related risks, and median income. Learn about senescence, sclerosis, and more.
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