A Better Understanding
We felt that because of the mix of medical, pharmaceutical and scientific terms there was a need for a "quick" reference area to help make it clearer to understand what is being discussed. We are constantly updating this page. It is also linked to white papers and discussion by professionals to make their ideas easier to comprehend.
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss and possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Alzheimer's disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
Bacterial Resistancethe situation where bacteria are no longer killed by antibiotics; this can occur when antibiotics are over-used so that bacteria that have natural resistance to an antibiotic is able to survive and reproduce while susceptible bacteria are killed resulting in an infection that is no longer treatable with the antibiotic.
Clean CatchA urine sample that is not contaminated by cells and bacteria that normally live around or within the urethra; a clean catch urine sample requires that the urethral opening first be washed with antibacterial soap or scrub, and then a small amount of urine be expelled without being added to the sample thus washing out the urethra; this process often requires the assistance of a caregiver.
Cognitive Declineis the self-reported experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss. It is a form of cognitive impairment and one of the earliest noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Dementia is diagnosed when a cognitive skill becomes impaired so much that a person can no longer get along independently. The cognitive problem or problems in dementia are acquired rather than lifelong, as occurs with an intellectual disability, for example. That means that the person was functioning at a higher level prior to developing dementia. The loss of that higher level of functioning is one of the tragedies of dementia. It may mean having to leave a job or becoming unable to continue activities that previously were enjoyable and meaningful.
Elder Law is an area of legal practice that specializes on issues that affect the aging population. The purpose of elder law planning is to prepare the elderly person for financial freedom and autonomy through proper financial planning and long-term care options.
Fibromyalgiais a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas.
Geriatrician an expert in the branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of old people.
Gerontologists perform a support function in educating and understanding aging.
Medical Social Worker, sometimes referred to as a health care social worker, helps patients and their families cope with illnesses.
Neuropathy is a disease or dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, typically causing numbness or weakness.
Phantom Limb is a sensation experienced by someone who has had a limb amputated that the limb is still there.
UrinalysisTest of urine which helps to determine disorders of the urinary tract, or disorders of the body based on chemicals found within the urine.
Urine Culture and Sensitivitycollection of urine from a patient that is grown on a Petri dish and then exposed to different antibiotics to see if those antibiotics kill the grown bacteria. The result of this process is a report that shows which antibiotics are effective against the bacteria being tested.
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)medical condition where abnormal bacteria grow within the urinary system (kidneys, bladder, and tubes connecting and draining them them) and produce symptoms (itching, burning, pain, sensation of fullness, or frequent urination)
UTC (Urinary Tract Colonization)medical condition where bacteria grow within the urinary system but do no harm, and do not cause symptoms.