Common Health Problems in Older Adults and Their Impact on Oral Health

Question 1

age-prevalent

Answer 1

frequently detected in the aged

Question 2

examples of things that are age-prevalent

Answer 2

1. osteoporosis

2. gingival recession

Question 3

age-related

Answer 3

1. universal
2. progressive
3. irreversible

Question 4

T/F: aging is insidious meaning it proceeds in a gradual, subtle way

Answer 4

true

Question 5

examples of things that are age-related

Answer 5

1. increasing graying of hair
2. decreasing loss of height
3. increasing facial wrinkles
4. decreasing glomerular filtration rate

Question 6

what are some common health problems in older adults?

Answer 6

1. arthritis
2. osteoporosis
3. visual impairments
4. hearing disorders

Question 7

what is the 2nd most frequently reported chronic health condition in the US?

Answer 7

arthritis

Question 8

T/F: arthritis is more common in men

Answer 8

false, women (28.3% vs 18.2%)

Question 9

T/F: prevalence of arthritis increases with increasing age

Answer 9

true

Question 10

which systemic autoimmune, inflammatory condition causes joint destruction, pain and stiffness?

Answer 10

rheumatoid arthritis

Question 11

rheumatoid arthritis can lead to permanent damage and deformity, and disability

Answer 11

true

Question 12

when is the onset of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 12

between ages 25-50

Question 13

T/F: prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis for those 65 years of age or older is 2%

Answer 13

true

Question 14

treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 14

1. combo of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies
2. reduce activity level
3. NSAIDS to reduce pain and inflammation
4. oral and intra-articular corticosteroids
5. prosthetic joint replacements

Question 15

osteoarthritis generally affects patients over what age?

Answer 15

over 60 years of age

Question 16

osteoarthritis is associated with what?

Answer 16

1. pain
2. limitation of motion
3. disability

Question 17

osteoarthritis commonly affects where?

Answer 17

weight-bearing joints

Question 18

how is osteoarthritis characterized?

Answer 18

by breakdown of cartilage, bony changes of the joints, deterioration of tendons and ligaments, and various degrees of inflammation of the synovium

Question 19

treatment for osteoarthritis

Answer 19

1. combo of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies
2. reduce activity level
3. NSAIDS to reduce pain and inflammation
4. oral and intra-articular corticosteroids
5. prosthetic joint replacements (less often than R.A.)

Question 20

oral health considerations for the arthritic patient

Answer 20

1. pharmacologically-induced xerostomia
2. may require abx prophylaxis due to joint replacement or immune suppression
3. susceptibility to infections
4. staff should be prepared to transfer patient from wheelchair

Question 21

how is osteoporosis characterized?

Answer 21

by decrease in bone mass with decreased density and enlargement of bone spaces producing porosity and brittleness

Question 22

T/F: osteoporosis is more prevalent in older patients

Answer 22

true

Question 23

T/F: osteoporosis affects more women than men

Answer 23

true

Question 24

treatment for osteoporosis

Answer 24

1. diet and exercise
2. calcium supplements and vitamin D
3. bisphosphonates

Question 25

side effects of medications used to treat osteoporosis

Answer 25

1. sialolith

2. osteonecrosis of the jaws

Question 26

T/F: osteonecrosis of the jaws is a side effect of medications used to treat osteoporosis and has low incidence but high morbidity

Answer 26

true

Question 27

which age-prevalent visual impairment is the most prevalent?

Answer 27

cataracts > macular degeneration > glaucoma > diabetic retinopathy

Question 28

cataract

Answer 28

clouding of the lens in the eye

Question 29

macular degeneration

Answer 29

occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates which may result in blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field

Question 30

glaucoma

Answer 30

pressure from excessive fluid in eye causes damage to the optic nerve so patients with glaucoma will have a hard time seeing the peripheries

Question 31

diabetic retinopathy

Answer 31

caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina)

1. cotton wool spots
2. microaneurysms, edema and exudates
3. neovascularization

patient with diabetic retinopathy is blurry and nothing is in focus

Question 32

presbyopia

Answer 32

vision condition in which the crystalline lens of the eye loses its flexibility so lens ages and stiffens

Question 33

people with presbyopia have a hard time focusing on what?

Answer 33

close objects

Question 34

T/F: presbyopia is a natural part of the aging process of the eye therefore is NOT a disease and cannot be prevented

Answer 34

true

Question 35

what are the causes of age-prevalent hearing loss?

Answer 35

1. diabetes
2. meds
3. smoking
4. noise pollution
5. occupational hazards

Question 36

presbycusis

Answer 36

loss of hearing that gradually occurs in individuals as they grow old

Question 37

what is a common disorder associated with aging?

Answer 37

hearing loss

Question 38

clinical implications of hearing loss

Answer 38

1. increased patient anxiety
2. less engaged in lengthy appointments
3. reduced efficiency of appointment time

Question 39

patients with hearing loss are unable to do what?

Answer 39

1. provide informed consent
2. actively participate in tx
3. follow post-operative instructions