Psychosocial issues and aging

Question 1

Name some common symptoms of depression?

Answer 1

Cognitive - Poor concentration, low self esteem, indecisiveness
Somatic Symptoms - Fatigue, altered sleep patterns, weight gain
Affective Symptoms - sadness, anxiety, irritability, feelins of isolation

Question 2

Name some types of isolation

Answer 2

Geographic - family moves away
Social isolation - can’t get out due to disability
Often a result of disabilities and changes in appearance

Question 3

Are anxiety disorders more prevalent in males or females?

Answer 3

Females

Question 4

How many people over 65 have at least 1 chronic illness?

Answer 4

70%

Question 5

Name some common attributes to delirium.

Answer 5

• Abrupt change in mental status and behavior with global, fluctuating impairments
• Disturbed psychomotor activity, disorientation, disordered thinking
• Memory is impaired, easily distracted, difficulty concentrating and following commands
• Behavioral changes

Question 6

What is sundowning?

Answer 6

Increased agitation later in the day

Question 7

Can patients with delirium get better?

Answer 7

Yes, once cause is addressed

Question 8

Delirium or Dementia: Flucuating, usually reversable

Answer 8

Delirium

Question 9

Delirium or Dementia: Cause - usually neurologic (parkinsons, disease)

Answer 9

Dementia

Question 10

Delirium or Dementia: Requires immediate medical attention

Answer 10

Delirium

Question 11

Delirium or Dementia: Develops suddenly

Answer 11

Delirium

Question 12

Delirium or Dementia: Slow, progressive course

Answer 12

Dementia

Question 13

How can your prevent delirium?

Answer 13

Adequate fluid intake, Nutrition
Mobilization and physical exercise
Adequate medication
Avoid withdrawal phenomena
Monitor closely 
Avoid excessive sensory stimulation

Question 14

What can be an acute cognitive disorder and is potentially reversible?

Answer 14

Delirium
Depression
Multiple causes or accidents

Question 15

What are some common causes of dementia?

Answer 15

Alzheimers, vascular disease, subcortical disorders

Question 16

What’s the pneumonic for chronic brain syndrome?

Answer 16

JAMCO
J=Judgement
A=Affect (different and excessive emotional changes)
M=Memory (short term before long term)
C=Cognition
O=Orientation