Ageing and Health

Question 1

Ageism

Answer 1

prejudicial attitudes towards older people and the ageing process.

Question 2

Normal Ageing

Answer 2

there are some declines in motor and sensory functions but these ten to have a slow onset and are adapted too.
Main cognitive impact is reduced processing speed and mild memory deficits.
Intelligence remains largely intact.

Question 3

concerns for older adults

Answer 3

sensory deficits (hearing and sight)
Reduced mobility
Falls
Dementia

Question 4

Falls

Answer 4

elderly people are more prone to unpredictable and unexpected falls.
it affects 30% of those 65+ rising to over 40& in those over 80. costly the NHS £1.7 billion a year.
it impacts on lives by destroying confidence and increasing isolation and therefore reducing independence.

Question 5

Main Types of Dementia

Answer 5

Alzheimer’s Disease: most common type

Vascular Dementia: second more common type

Question 6

Onset symptoms of Dementia

Smyer and Qualls (1996)

Answer 6

• severe memory problems
• loss of language
• poor judgement
• inappropriate social behaviour
• mood disorder

can vary with extent of brain impairment, rapid onset, personality of individual, nature of environment.

Question 7

Guillozet et al., (2003)

Answer 7

Extensive neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles leave lesions in the brain.

Question 8

Smyer and Qualls (1999)

Answer 8

Associated with disorders of the cerebrovascular system.

it involves blockage of the brain blood vessels leading to focal destruction of brain tissue.

the onset is abrupt and highly variable.

Question 9

Risk Factors for Depression

Answer 9

Being a woman
Physical illness
Being a caregiver for family member
Reduction in social contact