Ch 17 - Nutrition-Related Concerns of Older Adults

Question 1

What age-related eye diseases correlate with poor survival?

Answer 1

Cataracts and macular degeneration

Question 2

What is cataracts?

Answer 2

Clouding of the eye lenses that impairs vision and can lead to blindness

Question 3

_________ appears to play a significant role in the development of cataracts.

Answer 3

Oxidative stress; but antioxidant supplements do not seem to prevent or slow the progression (diet rich in antioxidants does)

Question 4

The leading cause of visual loss among older people is macular degeneration. What is it?

Answer 4

Deterioration of the macular area of the eye that can lead to loss of central vision and eventual blindness

Question 5

The most common type of arthritis that disables older people is osteoarthritis. What is it?

Answer 5

A painful, degenerative disease of the joints that occurs when the cartilage in a joint deteriorates

Question 6

______ is common among adults with arthritis.

Answer 6

Obesity

Question 7

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 7

A disease of the immune system involving painful inflammation of the joints and related structures

Question 8

What reduces joint tenderness and improves mobility in some people with rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 8

The omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in fatty fish as well as the antioxidant vitamins C and E help to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Question 9

What is gout?

Answer 9

A common form of arthritis characterized by deposits of uric acids crystals in the joints

Question 10

Uric acid derives from:

Answer 10

the breakdown of purines, both endogenous and exogenous

Question 11

What are some treatments for arthritis, dietary or otherwise, that may help relieve discomfort and improve mobility?

Answer 11

• Traditional medical interventions include medication and surgery
• A diet rich in antioxidants as well as physical activity

Question 12

What are some characteristic brain changes that occurs with age?

Answer 12

• blood supply decreases

- number of neurons diminishes (location determines change in function)

Question 13

What are the characteristic symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

Answer 13

The victim gradually loses memory and reasoning, the ability to communicate, physical capabilities, and eventual life itself

Question 14

Possible causes of Alzheimer’s include:

Answer 14

• genetic factors

- free radicals and oxidative stress

Question 15

In Alzheimer’s disease, the brain develops ________ and ________.

Answer 15

senile plaques; neurofibrillary tangles

Question 16

What are senile plaques?

Answer 16

Clumps of protein fragments called beta-amyloids

Question 17

What are neurofibrillary tangles?

Answer 17

Snarls of the fibers that extend from the nerve cells

Question 18

Treatment for Alzheimer’s focuses on:

Answer 18

providing care to clients and support to their families

Question 19

What is related to the development of Alzheimer’s?

Answer 19

Cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high BP, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity may be related to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s