Geriatrics - ageing and frailty Flashcards
1
Q
Why are people living to an older age
A
- Increased availability of resources
- Better conditions
- Improved screening programs → earlier diagnosis and treatment
- Better outcomes following cardiac events, stroke and surgery
2
Q
Theories of ageing
A
- Stochastic → cumulative and random damage
- Programmed → predetermined according to genetics
- Homeostatic failure
3
Q
Definition of frailty
A
- Progressive loss of physiological homeostasis
4
Q
Dyshomeostasis
A
- Loss of physiological control of bodily function
- Impaired function of any organ system
- Leads to frailty
5
Q
Social dyshomeostgasis
A
- Problems caused by environmental factors rather than psychosocial
- Ageing associated with whole body dyshomeostasis
6
Q
Effect of frailty in the presentation of medical conditions
A
- Frailty causes altered presentation
- E.g hyperthyroidism
- Classical presentation
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Diarrhoea
- Frailty presentation
- Cognitive impairment
- Muscle weakness
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart failure
- Angina
- Classical presentation
7
Q
Issues in prescribing in old people
A
- Many conditions more common in older people
- Fewer trials of medications in older people
8
Q
Practical implications of frailty
A
- Increased number of older people with co-existing medical conditions
- Increased variability in organ function and homeostatic reserve
- Different presenting signs and symptoms
- Sparse evidence of drug efficacy and safety in those 80+
- Polypharmacy
9
Q
Summary
A
- Geriatrics = frailty
- Frailty = dyshomeostasis
- Illnesses present differently in those with frailty
- Sparse research in older people
