Conditions of Geriatrics Flashcards
What is the usual age of onset of Alzheimer’s disease?
> 60 years old
What are the features of Alzheimer’s disease?
Progressive memory loss
Loss of ability to perform ADL
Personality Changes
What are the diagnostic parameters of alzheimers dementia as defined by the DSM-V?
1) Gradual development of multiple cognitive deficits including:
2) Memory impairment accompanied by at least 2 of the following: Aphasia, apraxia, agnosia, disturbance in executive function
3) Not due to CNS conditions, systeme conditions, or substance abuse
What are other diseases/causes of dementia that would be on the DDx for Alzheimer’s disease?
1) Parkinson’s Disease
2) Vascular dementia
3) Schizophrenia
4) Neurosyphilis
5) Hypothyroidism
6) Niacin, B12 or folic acid deficiency
What herbs might be indicated for Alzheimer’s disease?
Ginkgo biloba
Centella asiatica
What drug may be prescribed for a patient with Alzheimer’s dementia?
Donepezil
What is senile dementia?
Mental deterioration associated with age, 2 types;
Generalized Atrophy: Alzheimer’s disease
Vascular: Stroke associated
What are some of the risk factors for osteoporosis?
1) Soda and caffeine intkae
2) Sedentary lifestyle
3) Heavy alcohol use
4) Smoking
5) Glucocorticoid use
6) Early menopause
7) Family hx of osteoporosis
What are some of the preventative strategies for osteoporosis?
1) Weight-bearing exercise
2) Smoking cessation
3) Reduce soda and alcohol intake
4) Calcium supplementation
What are the amounts of calcium recommended to help prevent osteoporosis in premenopausal and postmenopausal women and in men?
Premenopausal: 1000 mg
Post menopausal:1200 mg
Men: 1000-1500 mg
What are some of the common signs and symptoms of osteoporosis?
Often asymptomatic
Fractures
Kyphosis
Loss of height
What is a urinary test for osteoporosis?
Serial urinary N-telopeptide
How is osteoporosis diagnosed?
Bone mineral density scans
Dual energy X-ray absorptipmetry (DEXA)
Elevated urinary N-telopeptide
What elements may be increased on labs in patients with osteoporosis?
Alkaline phosphatase
Calcium
What is a hallmark of osteoporosis seen on x-ray?
Cortical thinning
What category of drugs can cause osteoporosis ? Name a common drug.
Corticosteroids, Prednisone
A deficiency in what vitamins and minerals are associated with an increased risk of osteoporosus?
Vitamin K
Vitamin D
Calcium
What minerals are indicated for osteoporosis?
Boron
Calcium
Manganese
Magnesium
What amino acid is indicated for osteoporosis?
Lysine
What are the signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica PMR?
1) Pain and stiffness of the neck, pectoral, and pelvic girdles
2) Stiffness in the morning and after inactivity
3) Systemic complaints: including malaise, fever, depression, and weight loss
4) In most patients ESR is incresed
What is on the DDx for PMR and how would your differentiate PMR from them?
RA: PMR has no synovitis, is RF (-), and has no rheumatoid nodules
Polymyositis: PMR has normal muscle enzymes
Hypothyroidism: PMR will have normal TSJ
Multiple Myeloma: Absence of monoclonal gammopathy in PMR
Fibromyalgia: PMR has systemic features and elevated ESR
What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts?
1) Gradual painless vision loss
2) Lens Opacity
3) Halos seen around lights