1. Hypothyroidism
1.1. Aging affects the thyroid gland by moderate atrophy, fibrosis, increasing colloid nodules, and some lymphocytic infiltration
1.2. It can either be primary, resulting from a disease process that destroys the thyroid gland
1.2.1. It can also be secondary hypothyroidism that is caused by insufficient pituitary secretion of thyroid stimulation hormone
1.2.1.1. Secondary is due to low free T4 or free T4 index and low TSH
1.2.2. Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by low free T4 or free T4 index and low TSH
1.2.3. A subclinical hypothyroidism can exist in which the person is asymptomatic but has elevated TSH levels and normal T4
1.3. Symptoms
1.3.1. Fatigue, weakness, lethargy
1.3.1.1. depression and disinterest in activities
1.3.1.1.1. anorexia
2. Musculoskeletal/mobility
2.1. Decline in size and number of muscle fibers
2.2. Reduction in muscle mass
2.2.1. Decreased body strength
2.2.1.1. Endurance declines
2.3. Connective tissue changes
2.3.1. Reduction in flexibility of joints
2.4. Sarcopenia
2.4.1. Age related reduction of muscle mass or function resulting from a reduction of protein synthesis and increase in protein degeneration
2.4.2. Causes
2.4.2.1. Disease, immobility, decreased caloric intake, poor blood flow to the muscles, mitochondrial dysfunction, a decline in anabolic hormones, and increase in pro inflammatory cytokines
2.4.3. When added to the impaired capacity for muscle regeneration that occurs in late life, this can lead to disability
2.4.4. Symptoms
2.4.4.1. Weakness and loss of stamina
2.4.4.1.1. This can interfere with physical activity
2.5. Osteoporosis
2.5.1. There is a reduction in skeletal mass
2.5.1.1. This is caused by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation
2.5.2. Osteoporosis causes bones to become so weak and brittle that a fall or a mild stress to the bones can cause fractures
2.5.2.1. This happens when the creation os new bone does not keep up with the removal of the old bone
2.5.3. This is a very common disease in older adults more so in older women
2.5.4. Symptoms
2.5.4.1. Back pain that is caused by a fractures or collapsed vertebra
2.5.4.2. Loss of height over time
2.5.4.3. A stooped posture
2.5.4.4. A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than it should be expected
3. Integumentary
3.1. Sin less elastic and dry and fragile
3.2. Decreased subcutaneous fat
3.3. Increased benign and malignant skin neoplasms
3.4. Thing, graying of hair
3.5. Reduced sweat gland activity
3.6. Flattening of the dermal-epidermal junction
3.7. Nails become thicker
3.8. reduced thickness and vascularity of the dermis
3.9. Degeneration of elastic fibers
3.10. Increased coarseness of collagen
3.11. Reduction in melanocytes
3.12. Pruritus
3.12.1. This is a common dermatologic problem among older adults
3.12.2. It can be precipitated by any circumstance that dries the person's skin
3.12.2.1. This could include diabetes, arteriosclerosis, hyperthyroidism, uremia, liver disease, cancer, pernicious anemia, and certain psychiatric problems
3.12.3. If Pruritus is not corrected properly it can cause traumatizing stratching
3.12.3.1. this can lead to breakage in the skin which leads to infection
3.13. Pressure Ulcers
3.13.1. Tissue anoxia and ischemia resulting from pressure can cause necrosis, sloughing, and ulceration of the tissue of an older adult
3.13.2. Pressure ulcers are a common disorder that result from immobilization, improper skin care, improper turning in the hospital setting, and poor diet.
3.13.3. Pressure ulcers are very common in older adults due to these reason
3.13.4. Any part of the body can develop a pressure ulcer
3.13.4.1. The most common areas are the sacrum, greater trochanter, and ischial tuberosities
3.13.5. Older adults that are at high risk for pressure ulcers because of:
3.13.5.1. Skin that is fragile and damages easily
3.13.5.1.1. Poor nutrition
4. Neurological
4.1. Loss of nerve call mass
4.1.1. Atrophy of the brain and spinal cord
4.1.2. Brain weight decreases
4.2. Number of dendrites declines
4.3. Demyelination occurs
4.3.1. Slower nerve conduction
4.3.2. Response and reaction times are slower
4.3.3. Reflexes become weaker
4.4. Plaques, tangles, and atrophy of the brain occur
4.5. Free radicals accumulate
4.6. Decrease in cerebral blood flow
4.7. Fatty deposits accumulate in blood vessels
4.8. Ability to compensate is decreased
4.9. intellectual performance is maintain until around age 80
4.10. Slowing in central processing
4.10.1. Delay in time required to perform tasks
4.10.2. Verbal skills are maintained until age 70
4.10.3. Number and sensitivity of sensory receptors, dermatomes, and neurons decrease
4.10.3.1. Dulling of tactile sensation
4.11. Decline in the function of the cranial nerves affecting taste and smell
4.12. Parkinson’s Disease
4.12.1. This disease affects the ability of the central nervous system to control body movements as a result of impaired function of basal ganglia in the midbrain
4.12.1.1. It occurs when neurons that produce dopamine in the substantial migration die or become impaired
4.12.1.1.1. Dopamine is necessary for smooth motor movement and has a role in emotions
4.12.2. Parkinson’s is more common in men and occurs most often after the fifth decade in life
4.12.2.1. The incidence also rises with age
4.12.3. The disease is associated with a history of an exposure to toxins, encephalitis, and cerebrovascular disease, especially arteriosclerosis
4.12.4. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
4.12.4.1. A faint tremor of the hands or feet over a long period of time may be the first sign
4.12.4.1.1. The tremor is reduced when the person is doing a purposeful movement
4.12.4.2. Muscle rigidity
4.12.4.3. Weakness
4.12.4.4. Drooling
4.12.4.5. Difficulty swallowing
4.12.4.6. Slowed speech
4.13. Cerebrovascular accidents
4.13.1. CVA's are the third leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in older adults
4.13.2. Older adults with hypertension, severe arteriosclerosis, diabetes, gout, anemia, hypothyroidism, silent myocardial infarction, TIAs, and dehydration
4.13.2.1. People that smoke are at the highest risk for CVA's
4.13.3. The major types of CVA are ischemic
4.13.3.1. This results from a thrombus or embolus, and hemorrhagic which can occur from a ruptured cerebral blood vessel
4.13.3.1.1. These are also caused by cerebral thrombosis
4.13.4. Most CVA's in older adults are ischemic
4.13.5. Symptoms
4.13.5.1. Light-headedness, dizziness, headache, or a drop attack (feeling of being strongly and suddenly pulled to the ground), and memory and behavioral changes are common as well
5. Immune/cancer
5.1. Depressed immune response
5.2. T-cell activity declines
5.3. Cell-mediated immunity declines
5.4. Risk for infection is higher
5.5. Inflammatory defenses decline
5.6. More inflammation present
5.7. Older adults have the highest risk of cancer among any other age group
5.8. An older adults cancer is most likely in the late stages when first diagnosed
5.9. It is also common for an older adult to have multiple disease such as heart disease or diabetes
5.9.1. This would make the treatment of cancer more difficult
5.10. There are two theories as to why older adults are diagnosed with cancer more than any other age group
5.10.1. The first theory is that the older adult body simply can not fight off diseases due to the reduced T-cell activity. This might allow the cancer to spread due to the body not being able to recognize the cancer cells as forge in and destroy them
5.10.2. The other theory is that older adults throughout their lifetime have been exposed to carcinogens over the years which puts them at a higher incidence of cancer
6. Urinary Elimination
6.1. Urinary frequency is one of the most common older adults changes
6.1.1. This is caused by the hypertrophy of the bladder muscle and thickening of the bladder, which decreases the ability of the bladder to expand and reduces storage capacity
6.2. Nocturia is common also which is the frequency of urination at night
6.3. Inefficient neurologic control of bladder emptying and weaker bladder muscles can promote the retention of large volumes of urine
6.4. In women the most common reason for urinary retention is fecal impaction
6.5. The primary cause of urinary retention in men is due to prostatic hypertrophy
6.6. The filtration efficiency of the kidneys decreases with age
6.7. There is an increase in the renal threshold for glucose
6.8. Stress incontinence may be common in some women
6.9. Urinary tract infections
6.9.1. These are the most common infections of older adults and increase in prevalence with age
6.9.2. Organisms primarily responsible for the UTI's are Escherichia coli in women and Proteus in men
6.9.2.1. The presence of any forgery body in the urinary tract or anything that slows or obstructs the flow of the urine can cause UTI's
6.9.2.1.1. Examples of these would be immobilization, urethras strictures, neoplasms, or a clogs indwelling catherer
6.9.3. UTI's can also result from poor hygiene
6.9.3.1. Such as improper cleansing after a bowel movement, a predisposition created by low fluid intake and excessive fluid loss, and hormonal changes, which reduce the body's resistance
6.9.4. Older adults that are in a debilitated state or who have neurogenic bladders, arteriosclerosis, or diabetes also have a high risk for developing UTI's
6.9.5. Catheter associated UTI's are the most common type of hospital acquired infections
6.9.6. Symptoms of UTI's
6.9.6.1. Burning, urgency, and fever, some older adults experience deliruim
6.10. Renal Calculi
6.10.1. The formation of stones can result form immobilization, infection, changes in the pH or concentration of urine, chronic diarrhea, dehydration, excessive elimination of uric acid, and hypercalcemia
6.10.2. Symptoms
6.10.2.1. Pain, hematuria, and the same symptoms of a UTI
7. Sleep and rest
7.1. Insomnia
7.2. Daytime sleepiness
7.3. Napping more often
7.4. These experiences are due to the age-realted changes in the circadian sleep-wake cycles, sleep architecture, sleep efficiency, and sleep quality
7.5. Older adults are more likely to fall asleep earlier in the evening and wake up in the morning before dawn
7.6. There is a reduction in non-rapid eye movement stage sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
7.7. Older adults sleep less soundly and shift in and out of stage 1 sleep to a greater degree than younger adults
7.8. A delay in the onset of sleep is more prevalent with older adults
7.9. Sleep apnea
7.9.1. This is a disorder in which there are five episodes of cessation of breathing, that lasts at least 19 seconds or longer. That occur per hour of sleep, accompanied by more day time sleepiness
7.9.1.1. The prevalence is three times higher in men than women
7.9.2. Sleep apnea can be caused by a defect in the central nervous system that affects the diaphragm
7.9.3. It can also be cause by a blockage in the upper airway that interferes with normal air flow
7.10. Restless leg syndrome
7.10.1. This is a neurological condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs
7.10.2. The incidence increases with age
7.10.3. Moving the legs can bring relief of the sensations that are being felt but also it interferes with sleep
7.10.4. This can be caused by Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or neurological lesions
7.10.5. It is also associated with alterations in dopamine and iron metabolism
7.10.5.1. Antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, alcohol, caffeine, hypoglycemia, and simple or refined carbs can contribute
8. Safety
8.1. Older adults are at a higher risk for falls and injuries
8.2. Older adults experience more than 2.3 million nonfatal injuries every year
8.3. There is an altered antigen-antibody response and the high prevalence of chronic disease caused older adults to be at a high risk for infections
8.4. Home safety risks
8.4.1. Due to many older adults having a shuffling gait and an incomplete tow lift during ambulation
8.4.1.1. This could cause static electricity and cling to carpet that could cause a fall
8.4.2. Having carpet and using a wheelchair to make it hard to move the wheelchair or walker around the house
8.4.3. Spills are more difficult to clean on carpet causing an increased risk for a fall
8.4.4. Lighting sound be a dim lighting
8.4.4.1. Older adults should also use dim nightlight in order to see when they are walking at night to prevent falls
8.4.5. Older adults patients should not have any loose rugs around the house this could also cause a fall
8.4.6. In case of a fire older adults should keep walkways clear of items and door clear of items as well to make it easier and safer to get out in case of an emergency
8.5. There are many potential disease processes that can impact the safety of older adults
8.5.1. Presnyopia
8.5.1.1. This causes a decreased ability to focus and visualize near objects
8.5.2. Decreased opacity of sclera, which allows more light to come in and there is a yellowing of the lens of the eyes
8.5.2.1. Colors are more washed out, more contrast is required
8.5.3. Senile cataracts cloud lens, macular degeneration, smile mitosis, pupil size is decreased, less hight reaches the retina
8.5.3.1. There is a distorted color vision, particularly for browns, beiges, blues, greens, and violets, glare is more bothersome, vision is more difficult, more magnification is needed, slower slight-to-dark accommodation
8.5.4. Decreased vision field, presbycusis, dependency on hearing aids
8.5.4.1. Peripheral vision narrower, distortion of normal sounds, amplification of all environmental sounds
8.5.5. Stiff joints and urinary frequency
8.5.5.1. This can lead to having difficulty climbing stairs, or having a difficult time reaching a restroom in a safe manner.
8.5.6. The types and amounts of medications that older adults are on
8.5.6.1. This may cause dizziness which can lead to falls and injuries
9. Sexuality, intimacy, and reproductive health
9.1. Older adults are physically able to be sexually active
9.2. Lack of partner causes issues with sexuality of older adults
9.3. By age 65 there is 7 men to every 10 women, by age 85, there is 1 man to every 5 women
9.4. Psychological barriers
9.4.1. Negative attitudes from society
9.4.2. Fear of losing sexual abilites
9.4.3. Concerns about body image
9.4.4. Relationship issues
9.4.5. Misconceptions by older adults
9.5. Erectile dysfunction
9.5.1. This is the inability to attain or maintain erection of the penis for sexual intercourse
9.5.1.1. There are multiple causes to this disease
9.5.1.1.1. These causes are known as: atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, thyroid dysfunction, alcoholism, renal failure, structure abnormalities, medications
9.5.1.1.2. There is smooth muscle relaxation of the penile arteries and corpus cavernous which leads to an erection this action results from the parasympathetic system and without this action a man cannot hold and erection
9.6. Meopause
9.6.1. This is the permanent cessation of menses for at least a year
9.6.1.1. This occurs for most women around the fifth decade of life
9.6.2. Symptoms
9.6.2.1. Hot flashes
9.6.2.1.1. fatigue
9.6.3. The ovaries no longer produce estradiol or inhibin, this causes FSH and LH hormones to no longer be produced causing the cessation of menses and a women's inability to conceive a child
10. Calcification and reduced elasticity of vessels occur, and older hearts are less sensitive to baroreceptor regulation of blood pressure
11. Vision and hearing
11.1. The reduced elasticity and stiffening of the muscle fibers of the lens of the eye that begins in the fourth decade of life
11.2. Visual acuity progressively declines due to reduced pupil size, opacification of the lens and vitreous, and loss of photoreceptors cells in the retina
11.3. The light perception threshold decreases causing difficulty with vision at night and dimly lit areas
11.4. Dark and light adaptation takes longer
11.5. Sensitivity to glare increases due to cataract formation
11.6. Visual fields become smaller reducing peripheral vision
11.7. The eyes produce fewer tears are drier
11.8. Presbycusis
11.8.1. Age-related sensorineural hearing loss
11.8.1.1. This reduces ability to hear s, sh, f, ph, and w sounds and may cause speech to be inaudible or distorted as can impacted cerumen
11.9. Visual changes cause depth perception to become distorted, this causes the judging of height of walking surfaces harder
11.10. Glaucoma
11.10.1. This a common disease among older adults
11.10.1.1. It is a degenerative eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged from an above-normal intraocular pressure
11.10.1.1.1. The exact cause is unknown but it can be associated with and increased size of the lens, iritis, allergy, endocrine imbalance, emotional instability, and a family history
11.10.2. This is the second leading cause of blindness among people
11.10.3. There are two types of glaucoma
11.10.3.1. Actute: which is also called closed-angled or narrow-angled
11.10.3.1.1. The person experiences severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting
11.10.3.2. Chronic: which is also called open-angled is the more common of the two
11.10.3.2.1. This type occurs more gradually that affected people are unaware that they have visual problems
12. Delirium/Dementia
12.1. Delirium,
12.1.1. The onset of symptoms tend to be rapid and can include disturbed intellectual function
12.1.2. Disorientation of time and place but usually not of identiy
12.1.3. Altered attention span
12.1.3.1. Worsened memory
12.1.3.1.1. labile mood
12.1.4. Hallucinations may occur
12.1.4.1. They are usually visual
12.1.5. The reason delirium occurs is due to the disruption in brain function due to medications side effects, circulatory disturbances, dehydration, high blood pressure, low or high thyroid activity, high or low blood sugar, surgery, or stress
12.2. Dementia
12.2.1. The onset of symptoms are slow, it make take months to years for them to be noticed
12.2.2. There is poor short and long term memory
12.2.2.1. disorientation
12.2.2.1.1. Difficulty finding the proper word
12.2.3. The reason why Dementia occurs is from damage to brain tissue due to Alzheimer's or other degenerative diseases, circulatory problems, lack of oxygen, infection, trauma, alcoholism, hydrocephalus, or a tumor
13. Thermoregulation
13.1. Normal body temperature is lowered 96.9-98.3
13.2. Ability to responded to cold temperature is reduced
13.3. Having different norms of body temperatures can cause fevers to happen more often and can also cause for infections to occur in the older adult population
13.4. Room temperatures that are lower than 70 degrees can lead to hypothermia
13.5. Older adults must also be cautious the their bath temperature so they do not burn themselves
14. Cardiac and Circulation
14.1. With age heart valves increase in thickness and rigidity due to sclerosis and fibrosis
14.2. The aorta becomes dilated, a slight ventricular hypertrophy develops, and there is a thickening of the let ventricular wall
14.3. Myocardial muscle is less efficient and loses some of its contractile strength, causing a reduction in cardiac output when the demands not he heart are increased
14.4. More time is required for the cycle of diastolic filling and systolic emptying to be completed
14.5. The incidence of hypertension increases with advancing age and is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease of older adults
14.5.1. The reason for the increased risk for high blood pressure is related to the vasoconstriction associated with aging, which produces peripheral restate.
14.5.1.1. Hyperthyroidism, parkinsonism, Paget's disuse, anemia, and thiamine deficinecy can also be responsible for hypertension in older adults
14.5.1.1.1. Individuals with systolic pressure >140 and diastolic pressure >90 are considered to have hypertension
14.5.2. Symptoms may include awakening with a dull headache, impaired memory, disorientation, confusion, epistaxis, and a slow tremor
14.5.3. Hypertensive older adults are advised to rest, reduce their sodium intake, and if applicable reduced their weight
14.6. Congestive Heart Failure
14.6.1. The incidence of CHF increases with age and it is the leading cause of hospitalization of older adults
14.6.1.1. CHF is a potential complication in older patients with arteriosclerotic heart disease
14.6.2. Coronary artery disease is responsible for most cases of CHF. Hypertension is also one of the main risk factors for developing CHF
14.6.2.1. Some other risks factors associated with the development of CHF is diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, sleep-disordered breathing, albuminuria, anemia, chronic kidney disease, the use of illicit drugs, sedentary lifestyle, and psychological stress
14.6.2.1.1. It is common in older adults because of age related changes such as reduced elasticity and lumen size of the vessels of the heart. Rises in the blood pressure that can also interfere with the blood supply to the heart muscle.
14.6.3. Symptoms
14.6.3.1. Dyspnea on exertion, confusion, insomnia, wandering during the night, agitation, depression anorexia, nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, orthopnea, wheezing, weight gain, bilateral ankle edema
14.6.3.1.1. On auscultation moist crackles are heard
15. Digestion and Bowel Elimination
15.1. A trophy of the tongue affects the taste buds and decreases taste sensation
15.2. Salvia production decreases
15.2.1. Swallowing may be difficult
15.3. Presbyesophagus results is weaker esophageal contractions and weakness
15.4. Esophageal and stomach motility decreases
15.4.1. Risk for aspiration and ingestion increases
15.5. Decreased elasticity of the stomach
15.5.1. Reduces the amount of food accommodation at one time
15.6. Stomach has a higher Ph
15.7. Decline in hydrochloride acid
15.7.1. Increase in incidence of gastric irritation
15.7.1.1. Interferes with absorption of calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12
15.8. Decline in pepsin
15.8.1. This interferes with the absorption of protein
15.9. Slower peristalsis
15.9.1. Reduced food and fluid
15.9.1.1. Increase risk of constipation
15.10. Decrease in sensory perception which can also lead to constipation
15.11. Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
15.11.1. Salvia is helpful in lubricating the soft tissues of the mouth, assisting in remineralizing the teeth, promoting taste sensations, and helping to control bacteria and fungus in the oral cavity.
15.11.1.1. ACTH secretion decreases
15.11.2. Having a reduction of saliva can cause a lot of issues to an older adult
15.11.3. Dry mouth can result from a variety of factors and also due to the increase of age in older adults
15.11.3.1. Many medications that older adults are taking such as diuretics, antihypertensives, anti-inflammatories, and antidepressants can affect salvia production
15.11.3.1.1. Sjögren's syndrome that is a disease that affects the immune system can reduce salivary galen function and can also cause severe dryness of the mucous membrane
15.12. Dysphagia
15.12.1. The incidence of swallowing difficulties increases with age
15.12.2. Swallowing depends on complex mechanisms involving several cranial nerves and the muscles of the mouth, face, pharynx, and esophagus
15.12.2.1. Having issues with anyone these mechanisms can cause dysphagia
15.12.3. Gastroesophagel reflect disease (GERD) is a common cause
15.12.3.1. Strokes are also a common cause of dysphagia
15.12.4. Dysphagia can be oropharyngeal which is the difficulty transferring food bolus or liquid from the mouth into the pharynx and esophagus and more common in people with neurological damage
15.12.5. Dysphagia also can be esophageal which is involving difficulty with the transfer of food down the esophagus and sphincter abnormalities, or mechanical obstructions caused by structures
15.12.6. Symptoms of dysphagia can be mild such as difficulty swallowing food every once in a while
15.12.6.1. It could also be as bad as not being able to swallow at all
16. Endocrine
16.1. Thyroid gland activity decreases
16.2. Pituitary gland volume decreases
16.3. Insulin release by beta cells is delayed
16.4. Ability to metabolize glucose is reduced
16.5. Decrease in activity of the adrenal glands results in reduced secretion of estrogen, progesterone, androgen, 17-ketosteroids, and glucocorticoids
16.6. Diabetes Mellitus
16.6.1. Glucose intolerance is a common occurrence among older adults
16.6.1.1. It is thought that a physiologic deterioration of glucose tolerance occurred with increasing age
16.6.1.2. Increased amounts of fat issue present in older persons who are obese and inactive is considered to be a huge contributor to type two diabetes
16.6.2. Symptoms
16.6.2.1. excessive hunger, excessive thirst, or fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, frequent urination, blurred vision, or poor wounds healing
16.6.3. This is caused by the resistance associated with compensatory hyperinsuliemia followed by progressive beta-cell impairment that results in decreasing insulin secretion
17. Respiratory system
17.1. Changes in the respiratory system can be noted in upper airway passages
17.2. The nose has connective tissue changes that reduce support and can cause nasal septal deviations that interfere with the passage of air
17.3. Reduced secretions from the submucosal gland cause the mucus in the nasopharynx to become thicker and harder to expel
17.3.1. This could cause the sensation of a constant tickle in the throat
17.4. Due to the nostrils becoming thicker it makes it easier for more dirt particles to become inhaled on inspiration
17.5. The trachea stiffens due to calcification of its cartilage
17.6. Coughing is reduced due to a blunting of the laryngeal and coughing reflexes
17.7. The gag reflux is weaker due to a reduced number of nerve endings in the larynx
17.8. The lungs become smaller in size and weight with age
17.9. Various connective tissues responsible for respiration and ventilation are weaker
17.10. The elastic recoil of the lungs during expiration is decreased because of less elastic collagen and elastin
17.10.1. Expiration requires the active use of accessory muscles
17.11. Alveoli are less elastic
17.11.1. They develop fibrous tissues and contain fewer functional capillaries
17.12. The loss of skeletal muscle strength in the thorax and diaphragm, combined with the loss of resilient force that holds the thorax in a slightly contracted position
17.12.1. This contributes to the slight kyphosis and barrel chest seen in many older adults
17.13. There is reduction of vital capacity in the lungs
17.14. Increase in residual volume
17.14.1. There is less air exchange and more air and secretions remaining in the lungs
17.15. There is a reduction in body fluids and reduced fluid intake
17.15.1. This can cause drier mucous membranes
17.15.1.1. This can lead to the development of mucous plugs and infection
17.16. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
17.16.1. This disease is common in older adults and it also represents a group of disease that are known as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema
17.16.2. This disease process is higher among women and smokers
17.16.3. This disease starts due to the damage of the air pathways from another disease such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema
17.16.3.1. As time goes on and the airways are damaged more and more
17.16.4. Emphysema (known as the pink puffers)
17.16.4.1. This is a disease of the alveoli
17.16.4.1.1. The fibers that make up the walls of the alveoli become damaged
17.16.5. Bronchitis (known as the blue bloaters)
17.16.5.1. This a disease when the lung airways become inflammed
17.16.5.1.1. This results in an increase of mucous production
17.16.6. Symptoms
17.16.6.1. Coughing, shortness of breathe, wheezing, the build up of mucous and chest tightness
17.17. Influenza
17.17.1. Most deaths from influenza occur in older adults
17.17.2. There are two types of influenza type A & B
17.17.3. Type A is the most common among older adults
17.17.4. Age related changes that contribute to influenza are impaired immune system response to the virus
17.17.5. infulenza causes fever, myalgia, sore throat, and a nonproductive cough
17.17.6. It attacks by destroying the ciliated epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and depresses mucocillary clearance