NURSING MODELS OF CARE AND CARE FOR THE ELDERLY1
Introduction
The debilitating physiological processes of ageing increase the risk of a number of
chronic and lifestyle complications in the elderly, especially in response to the occurrence of life
limiting health conditions or disease. One such condition is the cardiovascular deficit of ischemic
heart disease and stroke which in turn, increases susceptibility of complications like vascular
dementia, psychological conditions and increased risk of falls in the elderly (Koh, Ahn, Yoo &
Shim, 2018). The purpose of this paper is to first discuss in detail the relevant contributing and
ageing theoretical factors facilitating the concerned disease pathology in Mr. Graham.
Discussion
Pathophysiology: Ischemic Heart Disease, Stroke and resultant Vascular Dementia
Existing cardiovascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis are largely associated with
stroke-inducing pathological mechanisms of thrombosis. High levels of cholesterol in the blood
or hypercholesterolemia results in the deposition of fatty streaks across the endothelial lining of
the blood vessels which in turn, causes irritation and facilitates the functioning of the
immunological system (Kurisu & Yenari, 2018). Such processes activate the production of
macrophages which further stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory substances such as
cytokines and interleukins, which in turn causes oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) in
the fatty streaks and resultant damage and atrophy of macrophages and endothelial cell lining.
Prolonged action of these inflammatory actions result in continued deposition of atrophied cells,
platelets and oxidized fat particles which coalesce together to form a clot or a thrombus. Such
thrombosis pathologies and associated production of thrombus contributes to thromboembolism
– a condition where these clots may dislodge and travel to cerebral arterial regions causing a

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Nursing Models of Care and care for The Elderly

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