Cognition in the Aging Adult Flashcards

1
Q

What is the most common psychological mood problem in older adults?

A

Depression

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2
Q

What percentage of hospitalized older adults are depressed?

A

Approximately 40%

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3
Q

What are major contributors to depression in older adults?

A

Loss of health and enforced dependence

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4
Q

What are some predominant characteristics of depression?

A

Sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, and pleasure

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5
Q

What cognitive problems are associated with clinical depression?

A

Difficulty concentrating, memory complaints, slowed thinking, indecisiveness

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6
Q

What somatic symptoms are associated with depression?

A

Appetite problems, sleep issues, psychomotor function disturbances

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7
Q

What is required for a major depressive episode diagnosis?

A

At least 5 symptoms present during a 2-week period

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8
Q

Name two screening questions for depression.

A
  1. ‘Have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?’ 2. ‘Have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?’
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9
Q

What are examples of psychomotor agitation?

A

Difficulty in performing mundane tasks such as showering or cooking

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10
Q

What are examples of psychomotor retardation?

A

Physical difficulty performing activities such as walking up stairs or getting out of bed

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11
Q

What is adjustment disorder with depressed mood?

A

Emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an identifiable stressor within 3 months

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12
Q

What is mood disorder due to a medical condition?

A

Depression caused directly by a physiological consequence of a medical condition

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13
Q

What is dysthymic disorder?

A

A depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, over a period of at least 2 years

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14
Q

What are the symptoms of major depressive episode?

A

Depressed mood, diminished interest in activities, weight change, sleep disturbance, psychomotor changes, fatigue, worthlessness, cognitive impairments, suicidal ideation

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15
Q

What differentiates adjustment disorder from clinical depression?

A

The response to stressor is excessive and causes significant impairment in social or occupational functioning

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16
Q

What is a common medical condition that can cause mood disorder?

A

Hypothyroidism

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17
Q

What is the difference between dysthymic disorder and major depressive episode?

A

Dysthymic disorder is chronic and less severe, while major depressive episode is acute and more severe

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18
Q

What is the typical duration of medication treatment for depression in older adults?

A

6 months to 2 years

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19
Q

What is a key role of physical therapists in managing depression in older adults?

A

Educating patients and their families on the benefits of medications and encouraging physical activity

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20
Q

How does psychotherapy help in managing depression?

A

By teaching patients to recognize and modify faulty thoughts or behaviors

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21
Q

How does chronic musculoskeletal pain relate to depression?

A

Stress and activity interferences from pain can increase depression

22
Q

What factors are related to decreased depression in those with chronic pain?

A

Positive pain coping mechanisms and social/family support

23
Q

What impact can physical illness have on older adults?

A

It can result in permanent disability and reliance on others for self-care

24
Q

How does enforced dependence affect older adults?

A

It may cause loss of dignity, a sense of being a burden, and fear of institutionalization

25
Q

Can all individuals with disability or dependence develop depression?

A

No, individual perspectives and expectations play a significant role

26
Q

What are the main treatment strategies for depression in older adults?

A

Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and exercise/physical activity

27
Q

What percentage of older adults respond to depression medications?

A

60-80%

28
Q

What type of exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms?

A

Both progressive resistance exercise and aerobic exercise

29
Q

How can physical therapists contribute to reducing healthcare costs related to depression?

A

By incorporating exercise interventions that mediate symptoms of depression

30
Q

Why is it important to set realistic goals in managing depression?

A

To ensure achievable progress and avoid overwhelming the patient

31
Q

What is the most common type of dementia?

A

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

32
Q

What percentage of individuals older than 65 have Alzheimer’s Disease?

A

Approximately 13%

33
Q

What are the three pathologic changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s Disease?

A
  1. Amyloid plaques, 2. Neurofibrillary tangles, 3. Loss of connections between neurons
34
Q

What is vascular dementia?

A

Dementia caused by cerebrovascular disease, often resulting from strokes

35
Q

What are the risk factors for vascular dementia?

A

Hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease

36
Q

What is Lewy body dementia?

A

Dementia characterized by cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and Parkinsonian motor symptoms

37
Q

What are the core symptoms of Lewy body dementia?

A

Fluctuations in alertness, recurrent visual hallucinations, Parkinsonian symptoms

38
Q

What is the difference between dementia and pseudodementia?

A

Pseudodementia mimics dementia but is usually due to depression and is reversible

39
Q

What are common symptoms of cognitive decline in normal aging?

A

Mild changes in visual and verbal memory, visuospatial abilities, and immediate memory

40
Q

How can older adults maintain cognitive health?

A

By engaging in physical activities, cognitively stimulating activities, and social interactions

41
Q

What are the three dimensions of burnout syndrome?

A

Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduction of personal fulfillment

42
Q

What are common mental effects of caregiver burnout?

A

Low self-esteem, anxiety, frustration, lack of concentration, headaches, insomnia

43
Q

What behavioral changes can occur due to caregiver burnout?

A

Increased consumption of caffeine, tranquilizers, and licit drugs

44
Q

What is a major risk associated with caregiver burnout?

A

Early patient institutionalization and increased caregiver health problems

45
Q

What is a common mistake when working with patients with dementia?

A

Assuming all symptoms are due to dementia and not considering other factors

46
Q

What is an effective strategy for communicating with dementia patients?

A

Using clear, simple steps and not relying solely on verbal communication

47
Q

How can PTs help maximize functional abilities in dementia patients?

A

By assisting with activities, changing the environment, and providing safe, meaningful activities

48
Q

What is the role of physical activity in managing dementia?

A

It helps in maintaining cognitive function and reducing symptoms of depression

49
Q

How does anesthesia affect older adults differently?

A

Elderly have age-related losses in cerebral reserve, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and slower drug elimination rates

50
Q

Why is post-operative cognitive disorder (POCD) a concern in older adults?

A

Due to the neurotoxic properties of many anesthetics and their poorer tolerance by the elderly