Question

4. What is the main risk factor for wandering and elopement?

a Dementia Age
b over 65
c Male
d Female

Answer 1

The main risk factor for wandering and elopement is dementia, with Alzheimer's disease being the most prevalent cause in the elderly, affecting significantly the cognitive functions that can lead to such behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main risk factor for wandering and elopement, particularly in elderly individuals, is dementia. Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, increase the likelihood of these behaviors. Alzheimer's disease affects cognitive functions, leading to symptoms such as disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, poor judgment, and personality changes that can predispose an individual to wander or elope. With roughly one in every eight people age 65 or older affected by Alzheimer's, and an increasing percentage of the population over sixty-five years old due to the "graying of the United States", the incidence of wandering and elopement is likely to rise.

Answer 2

Dementia is the primary risk factor for wandering and elopement among the elderly, with Alzheimer's disease being the most prevalent cause of dementia in this demographic.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main risk factor for wandering and elopement, particularly in the elderly, is dementia. Individuals with dementia may experience symptoms such as disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, and difficulty with planning and executing tasks, which can lead to increased wandering. Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, affects roughly one in every eight people age 65 or older in the United States, underscoring the significance of this risk factor for this age group. Therefore, the correct answer to the question would be 'a Dementia Age.'

Regarding the challenges that the elderly face, it is noted that individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease often require substantial care, which was estimated at $200 billion in 2012. As the baby-boomer generation ages, the number of Alzheimer's patients in the United States is expected to increase significantly.

Additionally, when elderly people suffer abuse, it is most often perpetrated by spouses or caregivers, emphasizing the importance of vigilant care in preventing mistreatment.