10. Older adults

Question 1

how old is old

Answer 1

young old - 65-74
middle old - 75-84
old old - greater then 85

Question 2

age-related changes

Answer 2

progressive physiologic changes
decrease function in tissue and organs
homeostenosis: decrease in ability for an organ system to maintain homeostaisis

Question 3

changes in body composition

Answer 3

increase body fat content - longer half-life of fat-soluble medications (benzos)

decrease lean muscle mass and water weight- increase serum concentration of water soluble medications (alcohol, digoxin, gentamicin)

Question 4

orthostatic hypertension

Answer 4

TCA - amiptryptoline, nortriptoline
diuretics
alpha blockers

Question 5

sedation

Answer 5

get much more sedation- in system longer
opiates
benzos
hypnotics

Question 6

anticholinergics

Answer 6

first gen antihistamines - elderly more sensitive, everything dries up, urinary retention, memory and confusion issues, constipation, tachycardia

not good for old people

Question 7

polypharmacy

Answer 7

taking too many drugs at once
drug-drug interactions
side effects