Question

1. Explain how cross-linking theory that causes the old age diseases such as cataract, stroke, wrinkling of skin, heart attack and Alzheimer’s disease in old age? (Explain the clear link between each mentioned diseases and suggest one health promotion strategy to overcome each problems).

2. An older adult has been isolated from the society after his wife passed away and he has been diagnosed as severe depression. As a gerontological nurses what are the strategies you include to increase his low self-esteem? (Include 5 strategies and explain each with an example)

Answer 1

ANSWER NO 1

CROSS LINKING THEROY

It is also known as Glycosylation theory which is launched by Johan Bjorksten in 1942.According to this theory there is a cross linking or binding of glucose to proteins in the body due to the aging process will cause disturbance in the normal metabolic functions.These unnecessary linking of the protein will lead to decrease skin elasticity and wrinkles in the skin.

Due to the cross linking process occurs the the tissues of the eye lences. This shrinkage of the lences will lead to the cataract formation,thus the person will be facing the visual impairements.

The main cause of stroke is due to the damage to the brain as a result of interupted blood flow to the brain.During aging process the cross linking of protein occurs in the arterial walls leads to the hardening or narrowing of the artery,heart attack and stroke.

Alzheimer's is the neurodegenerative disease in the central nervous system.According to cross linking theory the accumulatuin of cross linked proteins in the cells and the tissues of the central nervous system will lead to alzheimer's disease.

Health promotion stratergy to over come these problems:-

1. Heart attack and stroke:-The protein cross linkikg is the process which occurs due to the increase in the aging process.So it is not possible to stop the completely.The choice of management is to slow down the process.This process can be slowed down by avoiding the intake of food rich in high glucose.
2. Cataract:- Application of Riboflavin followed by UV rays exposure to make a stronger cornea.
3. Alzhimer's:- Making the person to engage in various activites.

ANSWER NO 2

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Psychological support is the support which is provided to the patient by understanding his problems and Speaking positively to the patient will help to remove the negative thoughts and feeling of the patients and aldo to keep the positive thoughts in his mind.

Eg: Removing the feeling of loneliness from the patient's mind by showing the concern to the patient.

• Psychological Support

It is the process of supporting the person to provide the support which will improve the confidence of the person. And also make the person to understand the reality.

Eg: Make the person to understand that death is a normal process of life,it shold happen one day for everyone.

• Occupational therapy

Ask the about the interest of patient to do the work. And provide small task to complete it in a given time. So that it will help to refresh his mind.

Eg: Arranging the things

• Meditation and yoga

It will make the relaxation of the mind of the person and also to improve the blood circulation.

Eg: When the person is in the depression stage he will not be interested to do any work which will lead to the welcoming of many diseases mentally as well as physically.

• Divertional therapy

Understand the person's capability in the creative task and provide the accessories to do that.It will help to divert the mind.

Eg: If the person is interested in making flowers provide the accessories and tell the person to make some flowers. It will help to divert the mind from the death of wife to the complesion of the task.