Pharmacology, Nutrition & Oral Health in Older Adults – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing pharmacologic considerations, nutrition, and oral health issues pertinent to older adults, suitable for exam review.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life-threatening condition marked by clonus, tremor, hyperreflexia, and increased bowel sounds.

Enzyme Inducer (Fluoxetine)

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an antidepressant that increases the activity of certain drug-metabolizing enzymes, potentially lowering levels of co-administered drugs.

Polypharmacy First Step

Obtaining a complete list of every medication a patient takes in order to identify unnecessary or harmful overlaps.

Antihyperlipidemics

The most commonly prescribed drug class in older adults, used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

NSAID-Related Renal Toxicity

Kidney damage that can occur when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are taken in high doses for long periods.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. agency responsible for approving prescription and non-prescription medications.

Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

The major family of hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes involved in oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis of drugs.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of how physiological and cellular responses to drugs change over the lifespan.

Beers Criteria

A list of medications considered potentially inappropriate for older adults; antidepressants were among the first drugs highlighted.

Glucosamine

A dietary supplement commonly taken to support or improve joint health.

Gingko Biloba – Bleeding Risk

An herbal supplement that can increase bleeding tendency due to its antiplatelet effects.

Drug Half-Life

The time required for the body to reduce the plasma concentration of a drug by 50%; e.g., a 20-mg dose with a 10-hour half-life leaves 10 mg after 10 hours.

Aging Epidermis & Drug Absorption

Thinning and drying of the epidermis with age does NOT enhance transdermal drug absorption.

CYP450 Phenotyping Tests

Laboratory assays that measure the activity or quantity of specific cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in patients.

Vitamin B12 Malabsorption

Levels of vitamin B12 can decline with chronic use of drugs for heartburn, GERD, or diabetes that reduce gastric acid.

Gastric Emptying & Appetite

A slowed gastric emptying rate can reduce food intake, contributing to unintentional weight loss.

Vitamin D Insufficiency

Limited sun exposure in older adults is a major contributor to marginal vitamin D status.

Daily Multivitamin Myth

Routine multivitamin–mineral supplementation is not universally necessary for older adults with adequate nutrition.

Increasing Nutrient Density

Adding ingredients such as milk powder to existing foods to raise protein, vitamin, and mineral content without increasing volume.

Nutritional Screening Initiative

A program based on the principle that nutritional status is a vital sign requiring routine assessment.

Constipation Management

Frequently improved by increasing both fluid intake and dietary fiber.

Nutrient-Dense Eating

Older adults should focus on choosing foods high in essential nutrients relative to their caloric content.

Social Isolation & Intake

Older adults who eat alone generally consume LESS food and nutrients than those who dine with others.

MyPlate Food Groups

The five groups are dairy, protein, fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Lactose Intolerance

Inability to digest lactose, the milk sugar that requires the enzyme lactase.

Mediterranean Diet

A dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish that reduces cardiovascular risk in older adults.

DASH Diet

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy to lower blood pressure.

Malabsorption Cause – Lactose Intolerance

One of the most common malabsorption disorders in older adults due to reduced lactase activity.

Preventive Oral Care

Daily brushing, flossing, and use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse to reduce biofilm and periodontal disease risk.

Severe Periodontal Disease Prevalence

Approximately 23 % of individuals over age 65 have severe periodontal disease.

Soft-Bristle Electric Toothbrush

Recommended brushing device for many older adults to maximize plaque removal with minimal abrasion.

Tongue Side Examination

Best visualized by grasping the tip of the tongue with gauze and gently pulling it laterally.

Medication-Related Xerostomia

Dry mouth caused by drugs; scheduling doses for maximal effect at night does NOT usually relieve daytime dryness.

Biofilm

A slimy accumulation of oral bacteria adhering to tooth surfaces.

Common Taste Complaint Causes

Usually linked to medications, systemic disease, or oral infections, not simple lack of interest in food.

Oral Candidiasis Sign

Angular cheilitis—cracks or redness at the corners of the mouth—is a typical manifestation.

Dental Restoration Materials

Modern restorations use amalgam, composite resins, gold, and ceramics, but not wood.

Periodontal Disease Definition

Inflammation and destruction of the bone and supporting tissues that hold teeth in the jaws.

Barrier to Dental Care

Financial limitations and disability are the two main obstacles for older adults accessing dentistry.

Tooth Decay Sensitivity Myth

Older adults may have less pain from caries, but decay still progresses and often goes untreated; lack of sensitivity is NOT protective.

Salivary Glands Visibility

Major salivary glands are not directly visible during routine intra-oral inspection.

Healthy Oral Mucosa

Characterized by a pink, moist appearance without lesions or inflammation.

Edentulism

Complete loss of natural teeth; also called toothlessness.

Tooth Loss & Aging

Tooth loss is NOT an inevitable consequence of aging and can often be prevented.

Attrition

Mechanical wearing down of tooth surfaces; teeth with attrition are prone to chipping.

Halitosis Medical Cause

Uncontrolled diabetes is a systemic condition frequently associated with chronic bad breath.

Tongue Stereognosis

The tongue’s ability to identify and distinguish objects by touch alone.

Dental Caries

Also known as cavities; bacterial destruction of tooth enamel and dentin.

Oral Health Public Health Priority

Programs should integrate oral health with overall medical care rather than create isolated systems.