Geriatrics

Question 1

Frailty Syndrome

Answer 1

Must have 3 of the following:
Unintentional weight loss
Muscle weakness
Slow walking speed
Exhaustion
Low physical activity

Question 2

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Answer 2

MCI is defined as having lower than expected cognitive performance when compared to others in the age group. Generally does not interfere with ADLs. Does not infer that individual will progress towards developing dementia.

Question 3

Dementia

Answer 3

Cognitive decline that affects ability to participate in daily activities. Difficulty comprehending language, impaired problem solving, behavioral disturbances, and memory deficits. Alzheimer’s is a progressive form of dementia.

Question 4

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 4

Study of what happens to drug in the body.

Absorption is the movement of a drug in bloodstream. Decreased acidity in stomach and slower emptying times and decreased motility can alter the absorption of the drug. Can predispose stomach to ulcers.

Distribution is the transport of drug to various tissues. Drugs are lipophilic or hydrophilic, so distribution depends on body composition. Decrease in serum albumin levels may also cause more drug concentration in bloodstream, causing intensified drug effect.

Metabolism is drug clearance, which primarily occurs in the liver. Older adults more predisposed to side effects as half-life of drug is extended.

Excretion is primarily performed by renal system. Diminished ability in older adults due to decreased kidney size, blood flow, and glomerular filtration rate. May result in meds acting for longer periods of time in body which can result in drug toxicity if doses not adjusted.

Question 5

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 5

Study of how drug exerts therapeutic effects on the body at the cellular or organ level. Depends on pharmacokinetic alterations in older adults and decrease of neurotransmitters and receptors.