Cognition in the Aging Adult Flashcards
What is the most common psychological mood problem in older adults?
Depression
What percentage of hospitalized older adults are depressed?
Approximately 40%
What are major contributors to depression in older adults?
Loss of health and enforced dependence
What are some predominant characteristics of depression?
- sadness
- hopelessness
- loss of interest
What cognitive problems are associated with clinical depression?
- difficulty concentrating
- memory complaints
- slowed thinking
- indecisiveness
What somatic symptoms are associated with depression?
- appetite problems
- sleep issues
- psychomotor function disturbances
What is required for a major depressive episode diagnosis?
At least 5 symptoms present during a 2-week period
Name two screening questions for depression.
- ‘Have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?’
- ‘Have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?’
What are examples of psychomotor retardation?
Physical difficulty performing activities such as walking up stairs or getting out of bed
What is adjustment disorder with depressed mood?
Emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor within 3 months
What is mood disorder due to a medical condition?
Depression caused directly by a physiological consequence of a medical condition
What is dysthymic disorder?
A depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, over a period of at least 2 years
What are the symptoms of major depressive episode?
- depressed mood
- diminished interest in activities
- weight change
- sleep disturbance
- psychomotor changes
- fatigue, worthlessness
- cognitive impairments
- suicidal ideation
What differentiates adjustment disorder from clinical depression?
The response to stressor is excessive and causes significant impairment in social or occupational functioning
What is a common medical condition that can cause mood disorder?
Hypothyroidism
What is the difference between dysthymic disorder and major depressive episode?
Dysthymic disorder is chronic and less severe, while major depressive episode is acute and more severe
What is the typical duration of medication treatment for depression in older adults?
6 months to 2 years
What is a key role of physical therapists in managing depression in older adults?
Educating patients and their families on the benefits of medications and encouraging physical activity
How does psychotherapy help in managing depression?
By teaching patients to recognize and modify faulty thoughts or behaviors
How does chronic musculoskeletal pain relate to depression?
Stress and activity interferences from pain can increase depression