Chapter 10 Geriatric Care

“aging boom” By the year 2050 it is projected that 21 percent of the American population will be over the age of 65.

Spelling Words geriatrics nocturia Alzheimer’s disease incontinence gerontology dementia dysphagia arthritis osteoporosis delirium

gerontology - scientific study of aging and the problems of the elderly geriatric care - care provided to elderly individuals

Physical Changes of Aging integumentary - involving the skin, hair, nails, glands senile lentigines, called “liver spots” skin is more dry, less elastic new skin cell production decreases with age circulation to the skin decreases causes coldness, dryness nails become thick and tough

Physical Changes of Aging musculoskeletal - muscles and bones muscles lose tone, volume, strength osteoporosis - minerals are lost from bones, causing bones to be brittle and more likely to break arthritis - inflammation of the joints causing pain gradual loss in height, slower movement, falls occur easily, sense of balance is less sure

Harriette Thompson

Physical Changes of Aging circulatory system - heart, blood vessels, blood heart muscle is less efficient at pushing blood blood vessels narrow, become less elastic blood pressure may increase or decrease experience weakness, dizziness, numbness in hands or feet, rapid heart rate moderate exercise stimulates circulation and helps prevent formation of a thrombus (blood clot).

Physical Changes of Aging respiratory system - lungs, breathing issues emphysema - alveoli (air sacs in lungs) lose their elasticity dyspnea - difficulty breathing elderly become more susceptible to infections like pneumonia

Physical Changes of Aging Nervous system - nerves, brain, controls body activities Blood flow to the brain decreases, progressive loss of brain cells interferes with thinking , reacting, interpreting and remembering memory loss (usually short term memory) changes in vision cataracts - lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque glaucoma - intraocular pressure of the eye increases, interferes with vision hearing loss decrease in sense of taste and smell decreased sensation of pain slower reaction times

Physical Changes of Aging Digestive system - fewer digestive enzymes are produced peristalsis decreases teeth are lost liver function decreases dysphagia - difficulty swallowing

Physical Changes of Aging Urinary System - kidneys decrease in size and less efficient with aging ability of the bladder to hold urine decreases bladder may not empty completely nocturia - urination at night incontinence - inability to control urination

Physical Changes of Aging Endocrine system - some hormones are increased some are decreased with aging immune system of the body is less effective more prone to disease basal metabolic rate decreases, complaints of feeling cold and tired intolerance to glucose can develop

Physical Changes of Aging Reproductive System Women -decrease in estrogen and progesterone causes vaginal changes Prolapsed uterus - supporting tissues causes uterus to sag downward Men, decreased levels of testosterone, slow production of sperm Men - testes become smaller, less firm

Psychosocial Changes of Aging disease - any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body. examples: COPD, heart disease, diabetes disability - a physical or mental handicap that interferes with normal functions. examples: inability to walk because of a fractured hip, hearing impairments

Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly Signs of confusion and disorientation may include: talking incoherently wandering aimlessly not knowing their own name not recognizing others lacking awareness of time or place hallucinating displaying hostile behavior paying less attention to personal hygiene unable to respond to simple commands or follow instructions

Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly delirium - confusion or disorientation is temporary caused by a treatable condition. examples: stress/depression, alcohol, urinary tract infection, medications, dehydration

Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly Damage to the brain can cause chronic confusion: cerebrovascular accident (stroke) - blood clot obstructs blood flow to brain arteriosclerosis - blood vessel walls become thick and lose elasticity atherosclerosis - walls of blood vessels become narrow from fat and mineral deposits transient ischemic attack (TIA) ministroke

Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly What is dementia? A loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgement, personality change, and disorientation.

Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly delirium (acute dementia) - reversible, caused by medical problem or medicine chronic dementia - permanent, irreversible, progressive

Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly Alzheimer’s disease: a form of dementia cause is unknown, but there are many theories lack a chemical that allows messages to pass between nerve cells in the brain no cure has different stages

Confusion and Disorientation in the Elderly Caring for confused individuals: provide a safe, secure environment follow a routine avoid loud noise and crowded rooms use reality orientation

https://quizlet.com/_6c8og9 LET’S REVIEW https://quizlet.com/_6c8og9