Cognition in Aging Adult Flashcards
Predominant characteristics of depression
depressed mood, with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest and pleasure in previously pleasurable activities
Major Depressive Episode
at least 5+ sx present during 2 wk period
Depressed (sad) mood
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or most, activities
Weight loss or weight gain when not dieting or decrease or increase in appetite
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation, a suicide attempt or plan
Two Very Effective Questions to screen for depression in clinical setting
Over the past two weeks, have you ever felt down, depressed or hopeless?”
“Have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?”
Models of Depression:
Cognitive Model
Learned-Helplessness Model
Interpersonal Model
Neurobiological model
Cognitive Model
Based on empirical observation
Correlation between negative feelings of self and depression
Set goals
Learned-Helplessness Model
Tends to be seen in patients who are pessimists
Neglect healthful behaviors
Interpersonal Model
Overdependence on others + loss or negative life event
Caring for spouse who was previously/ currently abusive
Neurobiological Model
Changes in speech, motility, and cognition
Disturbance of neurotransmitters, especially serotonin
A lot of the medications for depression are based on this model
Clues to Identifying Depression in the Older Adult
Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains Hopelessness Helplessness Anxiety and worries Memory problems Weight loss Loss of feeling of pleasure Slowed movement Irritability Lack of interest in personal care Tiredness, listlessness
Management of Depression in Older Person
Pharmacotherapy
Psychotherapy
Exercise/ Physical Activity
Executive Functioning
complex behaviors (memory, intellectual capacity and cognitive planning)
Four types of memory:
working, episodic, semantic, remote
Management of Dementia
Identify and treat comorbidities
Promote brain health by exercise, balanced diet, and stress reduction
Maximize activities of daily living and exercise
Set realistic goals
Common Mistakes in Working with a Patient with Dementia
Don’t assume that everything that you see is the result of their dementia
Don’t discount the person’s opinion
Don’t rely just on verbal communication
Don’t provide too much information – small steps
