Polypharmacy
occurs when a patient takes too many medications for their own good. It is most common among seniors and individuals with multiple medical conditions. Since older people metabolize drugs differently, the combined effects of numerous medications can be especially harmful.
What is the major risk of polypharmacy for the older adults?
There is some evidence, mostly from observational studies, that polypharmacy in older adults is associated with a number of negative health outcomes such as decreased functional and cognitive health status,
increased risk of falls, adverse drug events, hospitalisations, and mortality
.
Which option is a health problem that may be more common in older adults?
Due to population aging, the number of seniors with mental disorders is expected to double by 2030.
Depression
is the most common mental health problem in older people.
Which of the following conditions increase the likelihood of elder abuse?
The risks of elder abuse in a
nursing
home can increase due to a variety of conditions and factors, including age, gender, dependency level, social isolation, as well as certain health conditions such as memory loss and dementia. Training and supervision of caretakers is also a factor.
Which neurocognitive disorder is most likely to occur prior to the age of 70?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
, also referred to simply as Alzheimer’s, is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of its cases. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior.
What is the most common disease in elderly?
Hypertension
, a major contributor to atherosclerosis, is the most common chronic disease of older adults (23). Isolated systolic hypertension is particularly common among older adults and is associated with mortality even at advanced ages.
What are the four major old age problems?
Aging adults are susceptible to
dementia, psychotic depression, personality changes, mood swings, aggression, and other mental health issues
.
What are the 2 risks or problems associated with polypharmacy taking multiple medication in old age?
Polypharmacy increases risk of adverse events and errors
When people take multiple medications, they are at greater risk of:
falls and associated harms
, such as fractures. dehydration. functional decline.
Why is polypharmacy a problem in the elderly?
Polypharmacy in advancing age frequently results in drug therapy problems related to interactions, drug toxicity, falls with injury, delirium, and nonadherence. Polypharmacy is associated with
resulting increased hospitalizations and higher costs of care for individuals and health care systems
.
What drug should be avoided in geriatric patients?
- Antidepressants amitriptyline (Elavil) and imipramine (Tofranil)
- Anti-Parkinson drug trihexyphenidyl (Artane)
- Irritable bowel syndrome drug dicyclomine (Bentyl)
What is considered abuse of the elderly?
Elder abuse has been defined by the World Health Organisation as ‘
a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person
‘.
What are the 7 types of elder abuse?
The National Center on Elder Abuse distinguishes between seven different types of elder abuse. These include
physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial/material exploitation, neglect, abandonment, and self-neglect
. Physical abuse.
What qualifies as elder neglect?
Elder neglect
Neglect involves
the failure of a carer to provide basic necessities
such as food, shelter, or medical care, or preventing someone else from providing them.
Which of these cognitive functions is most sensitive to decline in old age?
Working memory
is among the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age.
What kills you with Alzheimer’s?
Pneumonia
is a common cause of death in people with Alzheimer’s because the loss of ability to swallow means that food and beverages can enter the lungs and cause infection. Other common causes of death among people with Alzheimer’s disease include dehydration, malnutrition, and other infections.
What is the most common cause of death in dementia patients?
Results: The two most common causes of death were
bronchopneumonia
(38.4%) and ischaemic heart disease (23.1%), whilst neoplastic diseases were uncommon (3.8%).
