GERIA ENDETERM PART 4 - Abused & Psychological Problems

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the psychological problems faced by older adults, particularly focusing on mental health, dementia, and the various forms and signs of elder abuse.

Emotional and psychological well-being

Equally important aspects in old age.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Mental disorders that contribute to disability in the elderly.

Substance Use Disorder

Misuse of substances such as alcohol.

Ethanol

The active ingredient in alcohol that can cause psychosis with chronic use.

Stress

The response to real or perceived threats.

Eustress

Positive stress.

Distress

Negative stress.

External/Physical Stressor

Environmental threats, e.g., pollution.

Internal/Psychological Stressor

Personal problems causing stress.

External/Social Stressor

Social threats, such as bullying.

Physical Signs of Stress

Signs include increased BP, RR, sweating, and diarrhea.

Cognitive Signs of Stress

Signs include impaired thinking and poor decision-making.

Emotional Signs of Stress

Signs include anxiety, irritability, and low self-esteem.

Fight or Flight Response

The body's reaction to danger.

Amygdala

The brain structure that detects threats.

Adrenaline Rush

The SNS response to danger.

Loss of Independence

Limited mobility affecting autonomy.

Chronic Pain

Long-term discomfort.

Bereavement

The experience of losing loved ones.

Low Socioeconomic Status

Financial decline experienced after retirement.

Depression

Characterized by low mood, loss of interest, and various cognitive and physical symptoms.

Dysthymia

A form of mild but persistent depression.

Emotional Symptoms of Depression

Include sadness, guilt, and poor concentration.

Physical Symptoms of Depression

Include fatigue, pain, and sleep changes.

Sleep Disturbances

Can be insomnia or hypersomnia.

Loss of Interest

Decrease in pleasure from activities.

Guilt in Depression

Feelings of worthlessness.

Energy Levels in Depression

Often characterized by fatigue.

Concentration Issues in Depression

Poor focus on tasks.

Appetite Changes

Includes weight changes, either loss or gain.

Psychomotor Retardation or Agitation

Physical manifestations of depression.

Suicide Risks

Includes thoughts of death.

Dementia

Progressive decline in memory and cognitive function.

Dementia Onset

Can be slow or rapid.

Cognition in Dementia

Typically shows stable decline.

Cognition in Depression

Often shows variability.

Validation Therapy

A technique to accept a patient’s reality to reduce stress.

Alzheimer’s Disease

A progressive, irreversible brain disorder.

Neurofibrillary Tangles

Twisted protein fibers found in the brain.

Amyloid Plaques

Protein deposits that damage brain cells.

Lifestyle Factors affecting Dementia

Include smoking, inactivity, and obesity.

Medical Factors affecting Dementia

Include diabetes and hypertension.

Memory Loss in Dementia

Involves forgetting recent events.

Disorientation in Dementia

Involves confusion regarding time and place.

Language Problems in Dementia

Difficulty in speaking.

Stages of Dementia

Stage 1: No impairment; Stage 2: Mild forgetfulness; Stage 3: Early confusion; Stage 4: Difficulty with complex tasks; Stage 5: Early dementia; Stage 6: Moderate dementia; Stage 7: Severe dementia.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Medications that increase acetylcholine levels.

Antioxidants

Compounds that protect brain cells.

Estrogen

Substance that improves blood flow.

Elder Abuse

Any form of harm or neglect to an older person.

Neglect in Elder Abuse

Failure to provide necessary care.

Physical Abuse

Involves the use of force causing injury.

Emotional Abuse

Can involve verbal or nonverbal harm.

Financial Abuse

Misuse of an elderly person’s money.

Sexual Abuse

Non-consensual acts towards an elderly person.

Abandonment in Elder Abuse

Deserting an elderly person.

Self-neglect

Failure to take care of oneself.

Physical Signs of Abuse

Include bruises, burns, and fractures.

Behavioral Signs of Abuse

Include withdrawal and fear.

Financial Signs of Abuse

May involve sudden changes in financial situation.

Vulnerability in Elderly

Often perceived as weak.

Dependency in Elderly

Reliance on others for care.

Cognitive Decline

Characterized by poor judgment.

Listening to Elderly Concerns

Important for addressing their needs.

Intervention in Elder Abuse

Act when abuse is suspected.

Education on Elder Abuse

Raising awareness about elder abuse.

Normal Aging vs Memory Loss

Forgetfulness is not always a part of normal aging.

Short-term Memory Loss

Involves forgetting recent events.

Long-term Memory Loss

Involves forgetting past events.

Exercise Benefits for Elderly

Improves brain function.

Balanced Diet for Mental Health

Supports cognitive health.

Socialization for Mental Health

Maintains mental wellbeing.

Anxiety

Characterized by excessive worry.

Impaired Communication in Elderly

Difficulty expressing thoughts.

Confusion in Elderly

Cognitive disturbance.

Self-care Deficit in Elderly

Inability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Milieu Therapy

A structured therapeutic environment.

Orientation for Elderly

Regularly reorienting patients is important.

Safety Measures for Elderly

Prevent injuries to at-risk individuals.

Family Support for Elderly

Provides essential counseling and guidance.

Use of Color in Communication

Utilizes visual cues for better understanding.

Calendars for Orientation

Helps in tracking time.

Clocks for Orientation

Maintains awareness of time.