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
What factors are related to decreased depression in those with chronic pain?
Positive pain coping mechanisms and social/family support
What impact can physical illness have on older adults?
It can result in permanent disability and reliance on others for self-care
How does enforced dependence affect older adults?
It may cause loss of dignity, a sense of being a burden, and fear of institutionalization
Can all individuals with disability or dependence develop depression?
No, individual perspectives and expectations play a significant role
What are the main treatment strategies for depression in older adults?
Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and exercise/physical activity
What percentage of older adults respond to depression medications?
60-80%
What type of exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms?
Both progressive resistance exercise and aerobic exercise
How can physical therapists contribute to reducing healthcare costs related to depression?
By incorporating exercise interventions that mediate symptoms of depression
Why is it important to set realistic goals in managing depression?
To ensure achievable progress and avoid overwhelming the patient
What is the most common type of dementia?
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
What percentage of individuals older than 65 have Alzheimer’s Disease?
Approximately 13%
What are the three pathologic changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s Disease?
- Amyloid plaques
- Neurofibrillary tangles
- Loss of connections between neurons
What is vascular dementia?
Dementia caused by cerebrovascular disease, often resulting from strokes
What are the risk factors for vascular dementia?
- hypertension
- smoking
- hypercholesterolemia
- diabetes
- cardiovascular disease
What is Lewy body dementia?
Dementia characterized by cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and Parkinsonian motor symptoms
What are the core symptoms of Lewy body dementia?
- fluctuations in alertness
- recurrent visual hallucinations
- Parkinsonian symptoms
What is the difference between dementia and pseudodementia?
Pseudodementia mimics dementia but is usually due to depression and is reversible
What are common symptoms of cognitive decline in normal aging?
Mild changes in visual and verbal memory, visuospatial abilities, and immediate memory
How can older adults maintain cognitive health?
By engaging in physical activities, cognitively stimulating activities, and social interactions
What are the three dimensions of burnout syndrome?
Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduction of personal fulfillment
What are common mental effects of caregiver burnout?
Low self-esteem, anxiety, frustration, lack of concentration, headaches, insomnia
What behavioral changes can occur due to caregiver burnout?
Increased consumption of caffeine, tranquilizers, and licit drugs
What is a major risk associated with caregiver burnout?
Early patient institutionalization and increased caregiver health problems
What is a common mistake when working with patients with dementia?
Assuming all symptoms are due to dementia and not considering other factors
What is an effective strategy for communicating with dementia patients?
Using clear, simple steps and not relying solely on verbal communication
How can PTs help maximize functional abilities in dementia patients?
By assisting with activities, changing the environment, and providing safe, meaningful activities
What is the role of physical activity in managing dementia?
It helps in maintaining cognitive function and reducing symptoms of depression
How does anesthesia affect older adults differently?
Elderly have age-related losses in cerebral reserve, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and slower drug elimination rates
Why is post-operative cognitive disorder (POCD) a concern in older adults?
Due to the neurotoxic properties of many anesthetics and their poorer tolerance by the elderly
psychomotor agitation
more agitated (anxiety) and restless as a symptom of the depression
