Women & Aging Spring 2022: Exam #2 Objectives

Menopause

The natural cessation of menstruation, typically occurring in women in their late 40s to early 50s.

Perimenopause

The transitional period leading up to menopause, marked by hormonal fluctuations and changes in menstrual cycles.

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and irregular periods.

Osteopenia

A condition characterized by some bone loss that is not severe enough to be classified as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis

A disease where decreased bone strength increases the risk of a broken bone.

Signs of Osteoporosis

Common signs include bone fractures, loss of height, a protruding abdomen, and a hunched upper back.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

Genetic factors include older age, being a white woman, and a family history; lifestyle factors include low calcium intake, being underweight, and sedentary lifestyle.

Weight-bearing exercise

Exercise that forces the body to work against gravity, which helps in managing osteoporosis.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

A treatment to relieve symptoms of menopause by replacing hormones that are at lower levels.

Recommended levels of exercise for adults

Regular aerobic and strength-training exercise is recommended for maintaining overall health.

BMI (Body Mass Index) range

A healthy BMI range is typically between 18.5 and 24.9.

Breast cancer risk factors

Main risk factor is being female, followed by advanced age and other genetic or lifestyle factors.

Signs of breast cancer

Potential signs include lumps in the breast, changes in breast shape or size, and unusual discharge.

Pap smear

A medical test that helps in the diagnosis and prevention of cervical cancer.

HPV vaccine recommendations

The vaccine is recommended for preteens aged 11-12 but can be given up to age 26.

Alzheimer’s Disease vs. normal aging

Normal aging involves gradual memory decline, while Alzheimer's results in severe memory loss and cognitive decline.

Risks for Alzheimer's Disease

Important risk factors include aging, family history, and genetic predisposition.

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

you rule out other causes and do certain A.D. specific testing (like memory testing, brain imaging like a PET scan, and lumbar puncture)

What are the two protiens that test for A.D. look for

Amyloid-beta (plaque build up) & Tau (neurofibrillary tangles)

Lumbar puncture

testing CSF to looks for tau

PET scan

detects amyloid plaques

Risk Factos for A.D.

Age (10% of people over 65, 1/3 of people over 85), family genetics (APOE gene), heart disease/high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, head trama

APOE Gene

if you have 2 copies of APOE4 you are more at high risk

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Early stages are marked by mild memory loss, middle stages involve increased confusion, and late stages lead to severe memory and functional impairment.

Early stages of Alzheimer’s

1-3, still functioning independently but has word finding, memory, and organization issues

Middle stage of Alzheimer’s

4-5, Increased memory problems, confusion, trouble following directions, and conversations. Difficulty with independent living (dressing, eating, etc.), needs constant supervision

Late Stage of Alzheimer’s

Loss of Speech, severe memory and cognitive issues, loss of physical control (walking, bathroom use, etc.), extensive care required. 

Treatment for A.D. for memory loss

makes acetylcholine more available

Treatment for A.D. for memory, delusions, and paranoia

Slows glutamate productions

Maintenance external treatments

creating routines, calm environments, going along with delusions,