Medicine for the Elderly Flashcards
How many elderly patients have some decayed or unsound tooth?
> 50%
Elderly patients are more likely to have chronic diseases such as?
Cardiovascular
Neurological
Respiratory
Diabetes
Rheumatological
What are the 2 groups of elderly people?
Healthy
Frail
Fraility can be defined as 2 or more of what?
Depression
Dementia
History of smalls
MUST score of 1 or more
How can fraility be measured?
Rock wood fraility score
Elderly people may be have disabilities how can this affect them dental aspect?
Less manual dexterity
Less accessible unless they have cater
Deafness
Impaired taste
Visual problems
As a dental professional what should you consider when an elderly patient has disabilities?
Poor OH
Communication issues
Allow extra time
Respect
What is dementia?
Chronic confusion
What are the 3 main causes of dementia?
Alzheimer’s (60%)
Multi Infarct (20%)
Lewy Body (15%)
What are the 3 stages of dementia?
Inital
Mid
Late
What happens during the initial stage of dementia?
Simple forgetfulness
Reduced self care
Hardening of personality traits
What happens during the Mid stage of dementia?
Struggle with complex tasks
Loss of independence
Behavioural change
What happens during the late stage of dementia?
Inability to communicate
Total dependence
Unrecognisable
How is dementia diagnosed?
History
Exam
Cognition Tests
What is the treatment for dementia?
Non medical mostly supportive
What is in place in regards to consent in someone with dementia?
Adults with incapacity act 2000 Sect 47
What is delirium?
Acute confusional state
How is delirium diagnosed?
Confusion assessment method
4AT screening
What may cause frail body?
Age
Multimorbidy
Illness
Malnutrition
What may cause fail mind?
Age
Stoke
Dementia
Depression
Depression is very common in elderly people. What should you consider as a dental professional?
Oral neglect
Compliance
Allow time
10% of elderly people are malnourished. Why is this?
Lack of accessibility
Unable to eat or unwilling
Impaired appetite
Gastrointestinal problems
What to consider when an elderly
patient is malnourished?
Identify the cause
Treatment if intra oral SE
Communicate to GP
What medical considerations should you have with an elderly patient?
Avoid NSAIDs in over 80 yrs
Avoid overuse of antibiotics
Small dose of analgesics
Frail people have limited life expectancy. What should you consider with this?
Realistic treatment and time frame
Treat the patient NOT the teeth
