3 Ageing and Dementia Flashcards

1
Q

What tool can we use to assess malnutrition?

A

MUST tool

Malnutrition universal screening tool

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2
Q

What effects do ageing have on the respiratory system? Why are these significant?

A

Lung compliance decreases (reduced elastic support)

Oropharynx can collapse- due to lack of elastic tissue

Atelectasis, pulmonary emboli and pneumonia common POST OPERATIVE complications in elderly

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3
Q

Why do we need to be particularly careful if prescribing sedatives/ pain killers to elderly patients?

A

Obstructive sleep apnoea

Adding insult to injury

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4
Q

What do we need to think about when prescribing drugs to elderly patients in terms of pharmacokinetics?

A
  • Elderly patients have increased sensitivity to CNS depressant drugs
  • Reduced hepatic and renal function- slower metabolism and elimination of drugs
  • Reduce CO- delayed onset of intravenous anaesthesia
  • Reduced total body water and increased adipose- alter volume of distribution
  • Plasma proteins reduced- increase free drug availability
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5
Q

What effects does ageing have on the cardiovascular system? (Generally)

A

Vessels less elastic

Hypertension

LV hypertrophy

Reduced CO- arm brain circulation time slower (eg anaesthesia)

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6
Q

What effects does ageing have on the renal system?

A

GFR decreased

Prostatism in males- obstructive nephropathy

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7
Q

What effects does ageing have on the CNS?

A

Neuronal density reduce by 30% by 80 yrs

Cerebrovascular disease= common

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8
Q

What happens to the thermoregulatory control of a patient as a result of ageing?

A

May be impaired due to fall in metbaolic activity and reduce muscle mass

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9
Q

How is dementia diagnosed?

A

HISTORY
Examination

Imaging (showing atrophy in brain)

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