Test 2: Older Adults Flashcards
what is geriatrics
subdivision of medicine and healthcare concerned with old age and disease
medical treatment is considered to start at 65
what is gerontology
study of aging
younger adults vs middle older adults vs oldest older adults
younger = 65-69
middle = 70-79
oldest = 80+
describe the programmed theory of aging and the key components
programmed longevity- due to switching on and off of certain genes
endocrine - biological clock/hormones; aging hormonally regulated
immunological
- immune system programmed to decline with time
- peaks at puberty and gradually declines from there
- antibodies lose effectiveness with age
- dysregulated immune response has been linked to CVD, inflammation, ALZ< and cancer
describe the damage or error theory of aging and the subcomponents/theories
wear and tear
- cells and tissues have vital parts that wear out
rate of living
- greater rate of O2 basal metabolism, shorter life span
cross linking
- accumulation of cross linked proteins damages cells and tissues; slows down body processes
free radicals
- damage to macromolecular components of cells; accumulated damage which eventually causes cells and organs to stop functioning
somatic DNA damage
- DNA damage occurs continuously; genetic mutations occur and accumulate with increased age
optimal vs successful aging
optimal = ability to function across many domains (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, etc) to ones satisfaction in spite of medical conditions
successful = absence of disease and physical functioning, high cognitive and physical function, and active engagement with life
4 distinctive levels of the “slippery slope of aging”
Fun = physiological state that allows for unrestricted activities in work, home, and recreation
function = physiologically can accomplish work and home tasks but may need modification but will restrict leisure activities secondary to declining physiological function
frailty = managing basic ADLs is difficult; very limited with community activities and may require outside assistance for home activities
failure = person needs assistance with all ADLs and may be completely bedridden
MSK changes with aging
reduction of size of Type I and II mm fibers
decreased firing rate of mixed and myosin protein synthesis
dcreased mm protein metabolism
decreased mm power
reduced elasticity
decreased vertebral disc height
decreased glycogen storage capacity
increased osteoclast activity (decreased bone mineral density)
increased mm and connective tissue fat (decreased mm mass, strength, power, and endurance
ROM/joint mobility changes with aging
both AROM and PROM decline but active more
cervical - ext and lat flex decline most; upper cervical most affected
lumbar/thoracic = ext declines most
LE - hip ext and ankle DF decline most
UEs less affected, but shoudler flex and ER most affected
results in posture changes
factors that result in decreased mm performance with aging
by 75 25% reduction in mm mass (loss is 2x greater in men)
mm replaced with fat
mm fibers regroup = fiber necrosis
slowed contractile properties = decreased force
what is sarcopenia
age related mm loss
loss of strength, power, functional quality
deficits in mobility and functional ability
reduced demand of protein synthesis
how is a pt diagnosed with sarcopenia
have low mass
AND
low mm strength OR low physical performance
causes of sarcopenia
physical inactivity
loss of alpha motor neuron input to mm
decline in testosterone
decline in growth hormone
protein deficiency
what all decreases with neurological changes
nn cells in brain
brain weight
motor coordination
nn conduction velocity
acuity of sensory neurons
cognitive speed/accuracy/processing
temp regulation
dopamine levels
nervous system response to stress INCREASES
ear changes neurological with age
ability to hear high pitch sounds
sound localization is less consistent
eye neurological changes with age
less elastic
decreased number of rods
pupul reactivity and size reduces
weakness of ocular mm
more likely to have cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic neuropathy
neurological sensory changes that happen with age
reduce pain and tactile receptors
decreases smell and odor perception
reduction number of taste buds and perception
decreased somatosensation
decreaed vestibular function
cognitive changes with age
some parts of memory, language, and social cognition remain stable with age
implicit (unconscious) memory remains stable/only slight decline
mild decline visual confirmation (naming) and word generation to a category; all other language aspects remain stable
reductions
- processing speed
- explicit memory
- short term memory
- executive function
- learning ability
- retrieval of verbal/nonverbal info
- cognitive flexibility
- selective/divided attention
