Geriatrics Definitions Br12/6

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Ageism

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The term describes the systematic stereotyping of & discrimination against people simply because they are old

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Aging

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To become old or the physiological and psychosocial changes that occur gradually to people as they grow older over a period of time rather than by illness or disease

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Demographics

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The study of characteristics & changes that bring about balance in a population

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Gerontology

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The scientific study of the processes and effects of aging & of age-related diseases on humans.

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Aphasia

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Absence or impairment of the ability to communicate through speech, writing, or signs because of brain dysfunction

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Edentulous

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Term that means without teeth

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Elder Abuse

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The emotional, physical, sexual, or financial exploitation of an aging person.

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Friable

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Term that means easily broken or pulverized

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Geriatrics

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The branch of healthcare concerned with the care of the aged, including physiological, pathological, psychological, economic, and sociological problems.

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Halitosis

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Term describing offensive odor of the breath

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Kyphosis

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The increased thoracic curve of the spine with a convexity backwards, commonly known as humpback or dowager’s hump

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Osteoporosis

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Term used to describe the loss of bone mass that occurs throughout the skeleton, predisposing patients to fractures because more bone is reabsorbed than is laid down and the skeleton loses some strength

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Presbycusis

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Progress loss of hearing with aging, typically resulting in sensorineural hearing loss

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Presbyopia

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The permanent loss of accommodation of the crystalline lens of the eye that occurs when people are in their 40’s, marked by the inability to maintain focus on objects in relation to the body

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Proprioception

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The awareness of posture, movement, and changes in equilibrium and the knowledge of position, weight, and resistance of objects in relation to the body

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Respite

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Short-term, intermittent care, often for persons with chronic or debilitating conditions, with a goal to provide rest for the family members or caregivers from the burden and stress of sustained caregiving

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Sjogen’s syndrome

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An autoimmune disorder marked by decreased lacrimal and salivary secretions, resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth

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Vulnerable adult

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Term used to describe an adult who is easily injured, wounded, or at risk for violence due to aging

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Ambiguous loss

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Term used to describe the debilitating confusion (of the family) about whether their loved one is still with them or gone

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Apraxia

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The inability to perform purposive movements or use objects properly although there is no sensory or motor impairment

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Confabulation

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A behavioral reaction to memory loss in which the patient fills in memory gaps with inappropriate words or fabricated ideas often in great detail

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Confusion

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Term used to describe not being aware of or oriented to time, place, or self

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Delirium

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An acute, reversible state of disorientation and confusion, progresses to anxiety delusions or fear

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Dementia

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The loss of intellectual abilities to the extent that it interferes with normal activities of daily living

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Labile

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Term used to describe not fixed, unsteady, changeable, unstable

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Organic brain syndrome

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Any of the large group of acute and chronic mental disorders associated with brain damage or impaired cerebral function

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Reversible dementia

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Cognitive disorder that can be treated effectively to restore normal or nearly normal intellectual function

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Nonreversible dementia

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Progressive, chronic state of confusion with loss of memory and cognitive abilities

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Wernick-Korsakoff Syndrome

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Encephaiopathy associated with a thiamine deficiency, usually associated with chronic alcoholism or other causes of severe malnutrition

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COPD

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or any of a group of debilitating, progressive, and potentially fatal lung diseases