GERI Flashcards
What is the approach to life expectancy in Geri pts
> 10 years: Appropriateness of tests and treatments is generally the same as for younger persons.
<10 years: Test choice should be made on ability to improve patients prognosis/quality of life.
Prognosis <12 months: Consider Palliative Care Services
Prognosis <6 months: Consider Hospice Care
What is the “get up and go” test
It’s a functional evaluation exam
Record the time that it takes for a patient at risk to get up from a chair, walk 10 feet, and return to the chair. If this takes more than 15 seconds, they have impaired mobility and are at greater risk for a fall.
Intrinsic risk factors for falls
Visual impairment Postural Hypotension Medications (Hypnotics, anxiolytics) Muscle Atrophy (Vitamin D? 800IU daily)
Primary care screening for impaired vision
Near vision: Jaeger card
Far vision: Snellen eye chart
Referal: Optometrist/ Ophthalmologist
Periodic screening is reasonable (DM, glaucoma)
What is the geriatric screening for cognition
Mini Cog:
- 3 item recall + clock drawing exercise: 2 minutes
Dementia unlikely if both portions normal.
Patients who fail the mini-cog should be followed up with a more in-depth mental status examination.
-Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE): 10 minutes
-MOCA; specific: 30 minutes
Screening for depression
PHQ 2 screen: 2 questions.
One positive response requires more in depth interview/screening tool. (PHQ 9)
<35 on the mini mental exam =
Cognitive impairment
NML value for a Montreal Cognitive Assessment
NML: >26
What are the two questions in the PHQ-2
“Over the past 2 weeks, have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?” (depressive mood)
AND
“Over the past 2 weeks, have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?” (anhedonia)
Is incontinence a normal part of aging?
NO!
What is the screening acronym for incontinence
DIAPPERS
(Delirium, Infection, Atrophic Urethritis, Pharmaceuticals, Psychological, Excessive excretion, Restricted mobility, Stool Impaction)
What level of wt loss requires further eval
Unintentional weight loss >5% in one month or 10% in 6 months requires further evaluation
Leading cause of vision impairment in the United States
Cataracts
A Geri pt presents with blurred yellowed vision, with an increased sensitivity to glare
Suspect
Cataracts
S/s: central opacity, diminished red reflex
What are the two types of Age related Macular Degen
Non-neovascular (“Dry”) 90%
- gradual blurring of central vision
- increased difficulty reading fine print, recognizing faces or seeing street signs.
- RX: dry AMD specific formulation of antioxidants and zinc in supplements
Neovascular (“Wet”)
- rapid loss of central vision
- RX: With prompt recognition and referral to a retinal specialist ophthalmologist, many patients treated with anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) intravitreal injections will maintain or even have mildly improved vision
What is the screening for DM retinopathy pts
All diabetic patients should have an annual dilated, funduscopic examination
Do we routine screen for Glaucoma ?
NO!
USPSTF does not recommend routine screening, if concerned send to optometry for a tonometer
What is the vision loss assoc w/ glaucoma
Periphery loss and extends inward
Is hearing loss a NML part of aging?
NO!
Hearing loss is independently associated with
- incident dementia
- accelerated cognitive decline
- poorer neurocognitive functioning
- increased falls
- gait disturbance
What ABX is associated with hearing loss
Aminoglycosides
Gentamicin
Define NMLL cognitive impairment of aging
In Normal aging the patient typically:
- Remembers the information later
- Has intact learning
- Any deficits in memory function are subtle, relatively stable over time, and do not cause functional impairment.
Define Mild Cognitive impairment
MCI is characterized by:
-subjective cognitive complaints, preferably corroborated by someone else
-evidence of objective cognitive impairment in 1 or more cognitive domains (memory, language, executive function, etc.)
intact functional status.
MCI is a disorder in which cognitive function is below normal limits for that patient’s age! and education! but is not severe enough to qualify as dementia!
What should be ruled out in dementia w/u
Delirium and depression
When should we screen pts for dementia
The effectiveness of screening asymptomatic patients for dementia is controversial.
However, for patients with a high risk of dementia
(e.g., patients age 80 years and older)
or for those who report memory impairment, screening with a standardized and validated tool is recommended.
Like the Mini mental status exam
What is the rate of decline for Alzheimer’s on the MMSE
3 points of decline per year
What is the rate of decline for moderate cognitive impairment on the MMSE
Decline of 1 point per year
Which is more sensitive for detecting Cognitive impairment
The MMSE or the MoCA (Montreal)
Montreal
Specific labs to R/o causes of dementia
Specific (high index of suspicion):
- Vit B12
- TSH
- Calcium levels
- ETOH
- evaluation of CSF
- Drug levels
- toxicology screen
- RPR (latent syphilis)
- HIV.
Imaging: MRI or CT to rule out treatable causes of dementia: -subdural hematoma - normal pressure hydrocephalus, -tumor -vascular dementia
What is the key finding that should alert the provider to possible underlying depression in the dementia pt
Patient’s memory complaints that are disproportional to objective deficits should alert a provider to the possibility of depression
What is the classic triad of Alzheimer’s
Memory impairment: manifested by difficulty learning and recalling information
(especially new information)
Visuospatial disorientation; getting lost
Progressive language impairment
Do Alzheimer’s pt have insight to their deficits?
No
What are the features of Lewy Body dementia
Parkinsonism (Bradykinesia)
Fluctuant Cognitive Impairment
Hallucinations
(but are aware of them)
REM sleep disorder
(Thrashing, punching, kicking)
Syncope and falls are common
What defines vascular dementia
SUDDEN ONSET of dementia!
Hx of or evidence of cerebrovascular dz (Series of strokes)
Stepwise decline
What is PICKS dz
Young pt dementia
(Younger than 50) !
Changes in personality and behaviors
Changes in food preference
Early loss of social awareness
Compulsive and repetitive behaviors
OFTEN MISSDX AS PSYCH D/o
+Progressive aphasia and semantic dementia
What is the mainstay tx for AD
Cholinesterase Inhibitors (ChEIs)
- Donepezil
- rivastigmine
- galantamine
What are the ADE Of Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Side effects: GI distress
(nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), syncope, bradycardia
Slow titration (8-12 weeks) to prevent.
How do you know Cholinesterase Inhibitors are working
Stable or improved MMSE or MOCA scores over 6–12 months suggests the drug may be effective
->Continued indefinitely
What is the role of memantine
NMDA antagonist
FDA approved for Mod/Severe Alzheimer’s Disease.
Typically added to ChEI when dementia reaches moderate severity.
Side effects: Headache
What are the tx for Vascualr dementia
No specific drug therapies
Treat risk factors of stroke:
HLD, smoking, DM, Atrial Fibrillation.
HTN treatment is somewhat controversial
->Permissive HTN ( SBP 150s) may be better for cognitive function!
ChEIs and memantine may be of benefit in VaD
What Rx have the best evidence of effectiveness for treating dementia
Antipsychotics
(Olanzapine/risperidone).
->Best evidence of effectiveness.
BLACK BOX WARNING (increased risk of mortality and cerebrovascular events and tardive dyskinesia in patients with dementia).
->Risk vs Benefit discussion.
What SSRI can be used to tx dementia
Citalopram
When counseling a pt with dementia
What medications should you advise the pt to avoid
Gingko Biloba
NSAIDS
Estrogens
Vitamin E
What does SIGECAPS stand for
Helps DDX MDD
- must be present x 2 weeks
S-sleep I-interest G-Guilt E-Energy C-Concentration A-Appetite P-Phsycomotor S-SI/HI
Tx for MDD in Geri Pts
SSRI, SNRI, TCAs, or Mirtazapine
Side effects of SSRI: Citalopram
QT prolongation/torsade de pointes (max dose 20mg).
ADE of SSRI: Fluoxetine
LONG half life, inhibition of P-450 System.
What class of Rx is venlafaxine, and duloxetine
SNRI
What Rx class are amitryptyline and imipramine and Doxepin
TCAs
What is the role of mirtazapine
Stimulant of appetite in a depressed pt
ADE: Insomina
What is the approach of Depression Rx for Geri pts specifically
Start at ½ normal dose and titrate up to reduce side effects
Older patients frequently undertreated
(provider fails to titrate).
Can at times take 8-12 weeks to see full effect.
If side effects tolerable and no benefit: Titrate.
At therapeutic w/o response: switch or “AUGMENT” with additional agent.
ADE of SSRIs in Geri pts
May increased BP
Increased risk of falls (on Beers list)
May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants
Hyponatremia
Beware Serotonin syndrome includes AMS (HA, confusion, agitation) Autonomic hyperactivity (diaphoresis, HTN, tachycardia, nausea, diarrhea)
neuromuscular abnormalities (tremor, myoclonus, hyperreflexia)
What are the ADE of TCAs in Geri
(lethal in overdose)
Orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmias
Cognitive impairment (anticholinergic effect)
What is the approach to Dc MDD rx
Continue regimen 6 months if S/s resolve
High risk of relapse: 1-2 years vs indefinitely
D/C? – taper down over 3 month period.
When should MDD Geri pts be referred
Concomitant Mania/psychosis
No response to 2 medicines
SI risk factors
->hx of SI, drug/alcohol abuse, severe anxiety/stress, SI plan, access to firearms/lethal means
(stockpiled medications).
What are the essential tools to use to evaluate Rx excretion in GEri pts
ESSENTIAL to make GFR-related dosage adjustments
Use MDRD or CKD-EPI and not Cockcroft-Gault
Rsk factors for increased ADE in Geri pts (RX)
Risk factors for ADRs include:
- Increasing age
- Gender (women)
- Small body size
- Duration of therapy
- Poor compliance with therapy
- Underlying disease states
Beers list
1st gen antihistamines
Digoxin >0.125 mg/day
TCAs (amitryptyline)
Antipsychotics (unless pt is a risk to others)
Benzos
Zolpidem and Eszopiclone
(Similar to Benzos)
Testosterone (men)
Glyburide, and chlopropamide
(DM drugs)
Meperidine (neurotoxicity)
Non selective NSAIDS
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
What is the STOPP criteria
Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions
What is the stopp criteria for Loop Diuretics
Stop:
Leg elevations and stockings more appropriate
STOPP criteria for diltiazem or verapamil
MAy worsen HF
STOPP criteria for Aspirin for Afib
No benifits
STOP criteria for Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (eg donepezil) with history of persistent bradycardia, heart block, recurrent unexplained syncope, or concurrent treatment with drugs that reduce heart rate
Risk of cardiac conduction failure, syncope, injury
STOP criteria for SSRIs with HypoNA+
Risk of exacerbating or precipitating hyponatremia
STOP criteria for Drugs likely to cause constipation (e.g., antimuscarinic/anticholinergic drugs, oral iron, opioids, verapamil, aluminum antacids) in patients with chronic constipation where nonconstipating alternatives are available
STOP criteria for Bladder antimuscarinic drugs with dementia or cognitive impairment
Risk of increased confusion, agitation
When to use anticoagulants in Geri
Anticoagulants in the presence of chronic atrial fibrillation
(Not aspirin)
When to use antiplatlet tx in Geri
Antiplatelet therapy with a documented history of coronary, cerebral, or peripheral vascular disease
When to use ACEI in Geri
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and/or documented coronary artery disease
When to use B2 agonists in Geri
Regular inhaled β2-agonist or antimuscarinic bronchodilator for mild to moderate asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
When to use L-Dopa in Geri
L-DOPA (levodopa) or dopamine agonist in idiopathic Parkinson disease with functional impairment and resultant disability
When to use Antidepressants in Geri
Antidepressant (other than tricyclic antidepressant) in the presence of persistent major depressive symptoms
When to use PPI in Geri
Proton pump inhibitor with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease or peptic stricture requiring dilatation
When to use Bisphosphonates in Geri
Bisphosphonates, vitamin D, and calcium in patients taking long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy
What is the recommendation for AAA screening
USPSTF recommends that men between the ages of 65 and 75 with any current or past history of smoking undergo a one time screening for AAA with an abdominal ultrasound.
Recommended screening for falls
Annually
Recommended screen for depression
Annually
Recommended screen for nutrition
Wt at each visit
Recommended screening for vision
Initial the q2yrs
Recommended IMRs in the Geri population
Influenza yearly
Pneumococcal one after age 65
Tetanus booster every q10yrs
Herpes zoster: two shots after age 50
Recommended screening for DM
Initially if hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or obese, and then every 3 years
Recommended screening for osteoporosis
Initially women >65 years, consider men >70 years
Recommended screening for HLD
Initial than q5yrs
Recommended screening for HTN
Initial then pts driven
recommended screening for Aortic Aneurysm
Once in men age 65–75 years who ever smoked
recommended screening breast cancer
Mammo q2yrs
Recommended screening for colorectal cancer
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) annually or colonoscopy q 10 years
Recommended screening for cervical cancer up to what age
65
Recommended screening for lung cancer
Annually (age 50–80 with 20-pack-year smoking or quit in past 15 years)
What are the 2 phases of Cerebrovascular Dz
- Acute triage: Noncontrast brain CT, MRI, EKG, cardiac markers, CBC, CMP, INR
Uncertainty: Lumbar puncture, ABG, toxicology screen, blood alcohol.
- Investigations into etiology after stroke is established as the diagnosis
What is a lacunae stroke
Ischemic stroke from small vessel occlusion
Exclusion criteria for TPA for INR and aPTT
Great than 1.7 INR and greater than 15 seconds aPTT
Should BP be dropped rapidly in ischemia stroke
Avoid rapid reduction in acute ischemic stroke (helps maintain perfusion to ischemic brain tissue).
What is the MGMT for Acute ischemic stroke
IV tPA
->3 hours of symptom onset.
Can be extended up to 4.5hr (patients <80 y/o). BP <185/110
Intra-arterial thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy.
->Carefully selected patients.
What is the 1st Line anti platelet tx in non-cardioemboic stroke
Aspirin
Clopidogrel
Aspirin and dipyridamole
What is the threshold for a Carotid endarectomy
Carotid Stenosis- Carotid Endartectomy (CEA) effective when >70-90% stenotic
may benefit if >50% but balance with risks
What is the time frame of tiA
brief episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal or retinal ischemia, with clinical symptoms typically lasting less than 1 hour, and without evidence of acute infarction.