Caring for Older Adults with Mobility Issues Flashcards
Exam 3
What is fundamental to active aging?
Mobility is fundamental to active aging
What is mobility intimately linked to?
Mobility is fundamental to active aging and is intimately linked to health status and quality of life.
Mobility in Older Adults
How is mobility broadly defined?
Mobility is broadly defined as the ability to move oneself (e.g., by walking, by using assistive devices, or by using transportation) within community environments that expand from one’s home, to the neighborhood, and to regions beyond.
Mobility in Older Adults
What leads to falls and fractures?
Age related changes + Risk Factors= Falls and fractures.
Mobility in Older Adults
What is a goal for older adults?
Goal for older adults -maintain mobility skills & avoid falls and fractures
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System:
What are functional problems experienced by older adults related to?
Many of the functional problems experienced by the older adult are related to changes of the musculoskeletal system.
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
When do signs of musculoskeletal impairment being?
Although some changes begin in early adulthood, obvious signs of musculoskeletal impairment may not appear until later adult years.
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
How do effects of musculoskeletal changes range?
Effects of musculoskeletal changes may range from mild discomfort and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living to severe, chronic pain and immobility:
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
Effects of musculoskeletal changes may range from mild discomfort and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living to severe, chronic pain and immobility:
What kind of problems occur?
Functional problems
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
Effects of musculoskeletal changes may range from mild discomfort and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living to severe, chronic pain and immobility:
What is a decrease?
Decreased muscle mass and strength
Decreased flexibility
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
Effects of musculoskeletal changes may range from mild discomfort and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living to severe, chronic pain and immobility:
What is altered?
Bone remodeling process is altered: ( results in Decreased bone density)
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
Effects of musculoskeletal changes may range from mild discomfort and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living to severe, chronic pain and immobility:
What is there a risk for?
Risk for falls (balance, altered proprioception)
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
Alterations in musculoskeletal system can result in what?
Alterations may affect the older adult’s ability to complete self-care tasks and pursue other usual activities.
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
Why does this risk for falls increase in older adults?
The risk for falls also increases in the older adult due in part to a loss of strength.
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
Aging can also bring changes in what? What could this lead to?
Aging can also bring changes in the patient’s balance, thus making the person unsteady, and proprioception (awareness of self in relation to the environment) may be altered.
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
What causes a loss of bone density? What does loss of bone density lead to?
The bone remodeling process is altered in the older adult. Increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation cause a loss of bone density, contributing to development of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
How much muscle mass and strength is lost by age 70? What else can lead to skeletal muscle movement problems?
Muscle mass and strength also decrease with aging. Almost 30% of muscle mass is lost by age 70. A loss of motor neurons can cause additional problems with skeletal muscle movement.
Gerontologic ConsiderationsEffects of Aging on MS System
What happens to tendons and ligaments? What happens to joints?
Tendons and ligaments become less flexible, and movement becomes more rigid. Joints in the aging adult are also more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis.
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
What are bones?
Bones-Framework for musculoskeletal system
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Bones: What is there an increase of? What is there a decrease of?
increased resorption
decreased Calcium absorption
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Muscles: What happens to motor neurons? What does this result in?
Motor neurons will die with ageresulting in a denervation of the muscle fibers within the motor unit. This denervation causes the muscle fibers to atrophy and eventually die, leading to a decrease in muscle
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Sarcopenia: What is it?
Sarcopenia-age related loss of muscle mass –increased risk for frailty and falls
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
What is the importance of joints and connective tissue?
Joints and Connective Tissue-Directly affects all activities of daily living (ADLs)
changes in cartilage & ligaments
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Crepitus or crepitation-
Crackling sounds and a grating sensation that accompany movement
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
What happens with nervous system?
Nervous System-delayed reaction time, slow reflex
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Nervous System-delayed reaction time, slow reflex:
What does this lead to?
Increase in Body sway: measure of motion of the body while standing
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
How are changes in assessment findings?
***changes in the assessment finding aren’t necessarily symmetrical
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Osteoclasts: What are they?
Osteoclasts break down old bone and deliver it into the bloodstream (resorption),
Normal Age-Related Changes in Musculoskeletal System
Osteoblasts: What are they?
osteoblasts build the bone where it needs to be reinforced (ossification).
Is the following statement true or false?
Exercise programs to increase strength and endurance in the older adult population may help delay the onset of the age-related functional consequences of decreased strength and endurance
True
Age related changes in skeletal muscles are controlled by what? What do they directly effect?
Age-related changes in skeletal muscles, which are controlled by motor neurons, directly affect all activities of daily living.
What is the end result of age-related changes?
The end result of these age-related changes is a decline in motor function and a loss of strength and endurance, even in healthy older adults.
What may increase strength and endurance and may help delay onset of age-related consequences of disability and loss of function?
Exercise programs to increase strength and endurance may help delay the onset of the age-related consequences of disability and loss of function
Overtime, what specific bone change can occur?
Changes to the spinal column ( decrease bone density, slower remodeling, less water between vertebras)
Osteopenia and osteoporosis
Bone density: What is it?
amount of minerals in bone
Osteopenia and osteoporosis
Bone scan: What is it?
Bone scan (DXA) =dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
What is considered the gold standard of BMD studies by the WHO?
Bone scan (DXA) =dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
Osteopenia and osteoporosis
Bone scan (DXA): What does it do?
measures bone density in the spine, hips, and forearm.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis
Bone scan (DXA): What are the most common sites of fragility fractures. from osteoporosis?
(considered the gold standard of BMD studies by the World Health Organization),
measures bone density in the spine, hips, and forearm.
These represent the most common sites of fragility fractures from osteoporosis.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis
What are DXA studies also useful for?
DXA studies are also useful to evaluate changes in bone density over time and assess the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment.
Osteopenia and osteoporosis
How is DXA scan scored?
Scored according to standard deviations below that of a healthy 30 yr. old of same sex and race called a T score
Bone density is scored according to standard deviations:
Osteopenia and osteoporosis:
National Osteoporosis Foundation Diagnostic Classifications
What is considered normal?
-1.0 and above
Osteopenia and osteoporosis:
National Osteoporosis Foundation Diagnostic Classifications
What is considered osteopenia?
Between -1.0 and -2.5
Osteopenia and osteoporosis:
National Osteoporosis Foundation Diagnostic Classifications
What is considered osteoporosis?
At or below -2.5
Osteopenia and osteoporosis:
National Osteoporosis Foundation Diagnostic Classifications
What is considered severe or established osteoporosis?
-2.5 or lower and fragility fracture
Osteopenia and osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is considered what kind of disease? Why?
Osteoporosis is a “silent disease”- usually asymptomatic until fracture occurs?
Osteopenia and osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis: What occurs with this?
Fragility fracture: little to no trauma
Bone scan (DXA) =dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends bone density testing for women of what age?
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends bone density testing for women aged 65 and older, regardless of risk factors.
Bone scan (DXA) =dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
For postmenopausal women under the age of 65, bone density testing may be recommended why?
For postmenopausal women under the age of 65, bone density testing may be recommended if they have additional risk factors such as a history of fractures, low body weight, smoking, or a family history of osteoporosis.
Bone scan (DXA) =dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
The USPSTF recommendations for men?
The USPSTF does not have specific recommendations for bone density testing in men.
Bone scan (DXA) =dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
When would testing be recommended for men?
However, testing may be considered for men who have risk factors such as low body weight, a history of fractures, smoking, or certain medical conditions that increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Bone scan (DXA) =dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
What meds someone is taking would bone density be recommended for?
Bone density testing may be recommended for individuals who are taking medications known to increase the risk of osteoporosis, such as long-term use of glucocorticoids (steroids) or certain cancer treatments.
Bone scan (DXA) =dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry
What kind of meds increase the risk of osteoporosis?
medications known to increase the risk of osteoporosis, such as long-term use of glucocorticoids (steroids) or certain cancer treatments.
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
Bone mass peak for women compared to men?
Lower peak bone mass than men
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
Amount in bone bank in women compared to men? Why?
Less in the “bone bank” because of thinner bones and small frame
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
In women, when could loss of bone mass occur?
Lose bone mass with lactation
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
In women, when is there a rapid withdrawal from bone bank?
Rapid withdrawal from “bone bank” during perimenopause
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
In women, what increases the risk for osteoporosis?
Longer life span increases risk for osteoporosis
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
Women have how much bone loss yearly?
woman have 7% bone loss yearly and 1-2% post menopausal years (when levels of bone-bolstering estrogen fall.)
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
Peak bone mass: What is it? When is it usually reached?
Peak bone mass is the greatest bone density in one’s lifetime, which is usually reached between the late 20s or early 30s.
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
Why is peak bone mass a significant milestone?
It is a significant milestone becausethe greater the peak bone mass, the more protection one has against developing osteopenia and osteoporosis.
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
Who is osteoporosis most common in?
Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men for several reasons:
Trajectory of Bone Loss for Women
Osteoporosis is more common in women than in men for several reasons:
Women tend to have lower calcium intake than men throughout their lives (men between 15 and 50 years of age consume twice as much calcium as women).
Women have less bone mass because of their generally smaller frame.
Bone resorption begins at an earlier age in women and becomes more rapid at menopause.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding deplete a woman’s skeletal reserve unless calcium intake is adequate.
Longevity increases the likelihood of osteoporosis
Metabolic Bone Diseases
What is the most common metabolic bone disease?
Osteoporosis
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis: Effects how many men and women in their lifetimes?
impacts 50% of women and 25% of men during their lifetimes
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis: Effects how many people in the US?
20 million women and 8 million men diagnosed in the United States
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis: How long is it asymptomatic?
Asymptomatic till -Fragility fracture (Osteoporotic fracture) occurs with little to no trauma
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis: as it progresses, what happens?
As it progresses-Pain/loss of height/increased risk for fractures
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis:
Presentation on assessment?
Presentation on assessment: a gradual loss of height Kyphosis or “dowager’s hump “
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis: What is it?
Osteoporosis: An imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation, leading to a decrease in bone density and increased fracture risk.
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis: How long does bone density increase?
Until about age 30 more new bone is added than taken away, sobone densityincreases.
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis: From age 30-50 how is bone density?
From about age 30 to age 50, bone density tends to stay stable with equal amounts of bone formation and bone breakdown.
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Osteoporosis: After age 50, how is bone density?
After age 50, bone breakdown (resorption) outpaces bone formation and bone loss often accelerates, particularly at the time of Peri and menopause.
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Factors That Increase the Risk for Osteoporosis:
What kind of deficiencies would lead to osteoporosis?
Vitamin D deficiency
Hormonal deficiency (with regard to estrogen in women)
Low calcium intake, both past and current
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Factors That Increase the Risk for Osteoporosis:
Excess of what could lead to osteoporosis?
Excessive alcohol intake (> 2 drinks/day)
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Factors That Increase the Risk for Osteoporosis:
What kind of pathological conditions can lead to osteoporosis?
Pathologic conditions (e.g., endocrine disorders, inflammatory conditions, malabsorption syndromes)
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Factors That Increase the Risk for Osteoporosis:
History of what can lead to osteoporosis?
Family history of osteoporosis or fragility fracture
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Factors That Increase the Risk for Osteoporosis:
What other meds can lead to osteoporosis?
Medications (e.g., corticosteroids, antiseizure, antithrombotics, antiviral, proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s)
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Factors That Increase the Risk for Osteoporosis:
For both women and men, what could lead to osteoporosis?
Age 65 or 70 years or older for women and men, respectively
Inadequate physical activity, especially weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Risk Factors for Fragility Fracture, in Addition to Risks for Osteoporosis
What status for women? What for men?
Postmenopausal status for women
Female sex
75 years or older for men
Risk Factors for Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures
Risk Factors for Fragility Fracture, in Addition to Risks for Osteoporosis
What else?
Previous fragility fracture
Undertreatment of osteoporosis
Low body mass index
Falls
Rheumatoid arthritis
Health promotion and teaching about Osteoporosis
What is done?
Assessment of risk factors
Education about prevention