Alterations in Neurological Systems of Older Adults
Download
Report
Transcript Alterations in Neurological Systems of Older Adults
Health Alterations
in
Older Adults
Janet Duffey, RN, MS,
APRN, BC
Think About This….
A group of Florida senior citizens were talking
about their ailments.
"My arms are so weak I can hardly hold this
cup of coffee."
"Yes, I know. My cataracts are so bad I can't
even see my coffee."
"I can't turn my head because of the arthritis
in my neck."
"My blood pressure pills make my dizzy."
"I guess that's the price we pay for getting
old."
"Well, it's not all bad. We should be thankful
that we can still
drive."
General Changes
Non regeneration
Loss of neurons in cerebral cortex
Decreased oxygen, blood flow
Impaired thermoregulation
Susceptibility in choline
Dopamine
Alteration in functional mobility
Neurological Diseases
Parkinson’s: pill rolling, tremors,
forward gait, mask like
expression, depression
Stroke (CVA): location, right brain,
left brain, motor tracts
Hemorrhagic, occlusive,
thrombotic
TIA’s – mini-thrombotic episodes
resolving in 24 hours or less
CVA’s
Effects of CVA’s
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
language
Speech
Sensation
perception
behavioral style
memory and
holistic assessment
Expressive aphasia (Broca’s) frontal lobe
damage
Receptive aphasia (Wernike’s) left hemi
in temporal lobes
Impact of CVA
Overlooking Confusion
Poorly understood event
Multiple causes
Misdiagnosis as “untreatable”
Range of causes from age related
memory loss to pathological change in
brain
Physical dysregulation: sleep,
temperature, electrolytes, sensory
overload
Nursing Interventions for Confusion
Baseline mental status exams
Detect and report: insomnia, distractibility,
hypersensitivity, c/o poor recall, nightmares
Structure environment for moderate mental and
physical stimulation
Limit duration of activity
Evaluate new / added meds carefully
Confusion
Causes of Acute Confusion
Metabolic
Drug toxicity or side effects
Drug withdrawal
Electrolyte imbalance
Endocrine dysfunction
Hypoxia
Infection and sepsis
Alzheimer’s Disease
Genetic predisposition
Presence of amyloid plaques &
neurofibilary tangles (key finding on scans
& autopsy)
Reduced presence of choline required for
cognition (major biochemical change)
Dementia: Early Stage
Mood change
Poor judgment
Getting lost
Difficulty with numbers
& money
Withdrawal or
depression
Middle Stage AD
Gross memory impairment
Aphasia: speech disturbance
Loss of impulse control
Anxiety
Wandering
Confabulation
Progressively lowered stress threshold
Impaired self-care due to judgment
Late Stage AD
Dysphagia with risk for aspiration
Impaired speech, little or no
communication
Immobile, non-ambulatory
Totally dependent in all activities of daily
living
Morbidity by aspiration pneumonia or
sepsis common
Rx: Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Cholenergic Drugs: Cognex,
Aricept Rivastigmine,
improving concentration of
acetylholine
Memantine: newly approved
Side effects: nausea, bradycardia,
elevated liver function studies
Used in early to middle stages
Behaviors in Dementia
Perseverance
Tactile wandering
Recreational
Purposeful
“Sundowning”
Gross agitation
Hallucinations
Delusions
Interventions for Behaviors
Determine underlying need
Check for pain, hunger, toileting issues
Decrease stress if possible
Encourage rest periods
Engage in activities related to premorbid
personality and role
PRN medications as a last resort, sparingly
Non-AD Dementias
Pick’s Disease
Lewy Body Dementia
Vascular Dementia
–
–
–
–
Risk factors
MRI. CT findings
Prevention
Treatment of
symptoms similar to
AD
Renal / Urinary System
Renal function
Hydration
Obstructive conditions
Incontinence
–
–
–
–
Stress
Urge
Overflow
Functional
Interventions
Moderate fluid intake
Regular toileting
Treatment of infection
Estrogen therapy
Timing of diuretics
Medication assessment for contributors
Bladder retraining
Changes in Skin
Easily torn & blistered
Decreased sensation leads to risk for injury
Impaired thermoregulation
Dryness
Photo aging, cancers, basal cell
epitheliomas, squamous cell carcinomas,
multiple melanoma
Increased risk for fungal infections
Implications for nursing care:
- Teaching to prevent sun exposure
- Avoid excessive bathing
- Role of nutrition and hydration
- Pressure relief measures
- Assessment: Braden Pressure Scale
Pressure Ulcers in Elderly
Prevalence varies by setting
Risk factors for elderly
– Acute immobility due to illness
– Paralysis
– Hip fracture
– ICU/Critical care units
– Nutritional state
Braden’s Conception of Risk
Decreased mobility
Decreased activity
Decreased sensory
perception
Increased: moisture,
friction, shear
Poor nutritional intake
Advanced age
Impaired circulation
Alterations in GI Function
Decreased GI acidity
Constipation
Changes in appetite
Role of dental problems
Diverticulosis
Colon cancer
Self management of
colostomy
Interventions for Constipation
Constipation vs.
obstruction
Definition of “regularity”
Establish fluid intake of
2000cc daily
High fiber diet: bran,
fruits, vegetables, whole
grains
Limit use of enemas and
stimulants which cause
more dehydration
Alterations in MS Status
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoporosis
Falls
Fractures: vertebral, pelvis, hip, shoulder,
wrist
Normal: decreased muscle mass, less
elastic, shrinking height
Interventions for MS
Diet, calcium, vitamin D
HRT: estrogen
Exercise
Safety measures
– Hazards of immobility
– Identification of appropriate activities
– Fall prevention & home safety
Risk Factors for Falls
Sensory deficits
Cardiac contributors
Neurological
Urological
Pharmacological
Alcohol
Environment
Fall history
Interventions for Falls
Identify fear of falling
Increase activity
Strengthening exercises
Orthostatic monitoring
Use of assistive devices
Safe, non-skid footwear
Correct sensory deficits
Plan how to get help
after a fall
Remove known
hazards: rugs, clutter
Identify activities
requiring supervision
/ assistance
Teach caregivers
proper lifting or
transfer techniques