Nurses Know! - Recognizing Depression in Older Adults

By: Lisa Whitney RN
Loss is painful whether it is a loss of independence, mobility, health, career, or someone you love. Grieving over these losses is normal, even if the feelings of sadness last for weeks or months. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not normal. It’s depression.
Untreated depression poses serious risks for older adults, including illness, alcohol and prescription drug abuse, a higher mortality rate, and even suicide.
Recognizing depression in the elderly can be difficult, since many people believe it is a normal part of the aging process. As we age, it is normal to experience sadness when facing changes in capabilities, or sorrow at the loss of loved ones, however, we also continue to feel happiness, joy, contentment, and other positive emotions.
It’s important to watch for the warning signs of depression and seek professional help when you recognize it.
Signs and symptoms of depression:

• Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
• Hopelessness
• Helplessness Anxiety and worries
• Loss of feeling of pleasure
• Slowed movement Irritability
• Memory problems
• Lack of interest in personal care (skipping meals, forgetting medications, neglecting personal hygiene)

Depression in the elderly has underlying causes and treatment is complex in that it involves consideration of the role of current disease, memory changes, various medications, and the status of the patient's support systems. Optimum results are achieved with a management approach that incorporates a system of collaborative care.

References

Ashok, R., & Md. (2004, June 1). Depression in the elderly. In Symposium on geriatric psychiatry (Postgraduate Medicine). Retrieved February 9, 2008, from The Practical Peer Reviewed for Primary Care Physicans: www.postgradmed.com.

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Lisa Whitney RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Nurses Know! - Hearing Loss

By: Debbie Minniefield RN

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

Many elderly people have hearing problems and it only gets worse as they get older. Hearing loss affects some 2 million older adults over 70, by estimate. That statistic makes it one of the most chronic health conditions affecting older adults today. In one study, more than 90% of adults were found to have some degree of hearing loss. Despite this, more than 36% of them reportedly never even had their hearing tested. (Archives of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery)Four out of five who could benefit from wearing hearing aids, do not use them.

Many avoid going to their doctor with their hearing problems, are unaware of their deteriorating hearing, or see it as a sign of growing old and feel embarrassed.

Hearing Loss is seldom Assessed

Untreated hearing loss in the elderly is common and often results in depression and social isolation. Effective treatment could dramatically improve their hearing. Yet, according to a major study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, in 2003, fewer than 10% of primary care physicians screen elderly patients for hearing loss. So, ask to have a hearing test whenever you see your doctor. JAMA strongly recommends that hearing screenings become as consistent a focus of health examinations taking blood pressures or vision screenings. At the same time, it is imperative that the elderly themselves ,their relatives, colleagues and friends be aware of the need to look for signs of hearing loss and ask that it be properly diagnosed and treated.

References

Journal of the American Medical Association, April 2003.

http://www.webmd.com/

http://www.righthealth.com/

http://www.hear-it.org.com/

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Debbie Minniefield RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Nurses Know! - Smoking and the Older Adult

Smoking Cessation in Older Adults

By: Keturah Mayhorn



Most elderly people, who use tobacco, didn’t start recently. In fact, many have been smoking for years, sometimes even decades, making cessation a hard battle to win. Despite it’s documented relationship with cardiovascular diseases and illnesses, such as cancer, so many older Americans have yet to kick the habit. There isn’t a particular number of cigarettes that causes illness and disease, for some people it could one and for others thousands.

Financial Considerations

It is not uncommon for elderly patients to be on fixed income forcing them to perform a balancing act between food, medication, and other necessities of life. With tobacco’s recent tax increase, uncomfortable adjustments will have to made to some already impossibly tight budgets. Unfortunately, many smoking adults will always make room in their bugets for tobacco.

Why Quitting is recommended no matter what your age

“There is good data to support that smoking cessation lowers the risk for heart disease, stroke, and lung disease” (Mauk, 2006). According to the American Lung Association, benefits begin within only 20 minutes of quitting and continue for by the hour. They include: decreased heart rate and blood pressure, normal blood levels of oxygen, enhanced smell and taste, improved circulation, easier walking, and improved lung function (all within 3 months).

Effective interventions

“The USPSTF found evidence that screening, brief behavioral counseling, and pharmacotherapy are effective in helping clients to quit smoking and remain smoke-free after one year” (Mauk, 2006). It’s never to late to quit paying for tobacco and all of its bad effects, and start living healthier lives.



References

American Lung Association (2007). Smoking Cessation Support.Retrieved February 7, 2008, from web site:http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=33568



Mauk, K. (2006). Gerontological Nursing Competencies for Care. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett




Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Keturah Mayhorn RN (pictured above) with editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.

Nurses Know! - Preventing Heart Disease

by: Charissa Hurt RN

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular diseases rank as America’s No. 1 killer. Heart Disease claims the lives of 41.4 percent of the more than 2.3 million Americans who die each year. Over 83% of people who die from the disease tend to be over 65 years (Mauk, 2006).

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the end result of narrowing and hardening of the arteries associated with fatty plaque buildup and fibrin formation within the heart.

Risk factors include:

• heredity
• race
• increased age
• obesity
• high sodium and cholesterol intake
• sedentary lifestyle. (Mauk, 2006).

CAD can cause angina (chest pain), heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure and arrhythmias (irregular heart beat).

What can be done to prevent CAD?

Genetics, race and increased age are unavoidable risk factor to developing CAD; however we can make lifestyle modifications to prevent the disease from progressing.

1. Eat a low fat, low sodium, fiber rich diet.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by stop smoking
3. Regular exercise at least every day of the week, such as walking
4. If overweight, try losing a few pounds can make a significant difference
5. Get routine blood pressure screenings
6. If diabetic, controlling blood sugar reduces cardiac risk (Wikipedia, 2008).

CAD is becoming a growing problem in America. Making lifestyle changes can drastically reduce our risk.


References

American Heart Association. 2008.

retrieved Feb. 8 2008

Coronary Artery Disease. Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. Feb. 7 2008

retrieved Feb. 8 2008

Mauk, K. L. (2006). Gerontology Nursing: Competencies for care. Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett

Notes: This blog post reflects the work of Carla Hurt RN (pictured above) with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The information in this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.