Ageing Flashcards
Give examples of cellular level processes that change with age/ageing
Progressive loss of cells
DNA in the nucleus is altered affecting RNA synthesis
Mitochondrial numbers reduce (affecting energy stores)
Ribosomal changes reduces protein synthesis
What happens to the brain with ageing?
Brain volume is reduced Shrinking of the cerebral cortex Enlarged ventricles Diseased blood vessels Loss of dopamine producing neurones
Define dementia
Dementia is a syndrome characterised by the loss of cognitive functioning.
Resulting in memory loss, confusion, inability to concentrate
Define stroke
Neurological condition of sudden onset. Caused by disruption of blood supply to the brain and characterised by rapidly developing neurological signs
Define parkinsons disease
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time.
Give examples of diseases of the ageing cardiovascular system
Heart failure Hypertension Arrhythmias Valve disease CVD: Atherosclerosis
What are the histological features of renal ageing?
Glomerulosclerosis
Glomerular basement membrane thickening
Tubular atrophy
Give examples/features of diseases of ageing kidneys
Drug excretion is affected
Reduced ability of the kidneys to filter
Less able to concentrate or dilute urine
Endocrine function is reduced
List features of the ageing liver
Loss of functioning liver cells - reduced protein synthesis and metabolic function
Inability of cells of the liver to regenerate
How does the bone structure and function change with age?
Bones continue to grow during puberty
Closure of the end plates of long bones occur during adulthood
Reabsorption or removal of bone cells by osteoclasts and reformation by osteoblasts make newly mineralised bone.
The strength of bones depend of mineral content (bone density)
With age Osteoclast activity outstrips osteoblast activity
Define osteoporosis
A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile due to the loss of bone density.
This increases the risk of fracture.
What happens to the pancreas with age?
The ageing cells of the pancreas become less sensitive to effects of insulin.
Beta cells need higher blood glucose levels to trigger insulin release
Also increased apoptosis of beta cells
Define somatopause
The progressive decline in the levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1.
Leading to a progressive decline in muscle mass and reduction in metabolic rate.
Increased deposition of adipose tissue (mainly abdominal fat)
List 5 personal and social impacts of age and chronic disease
Increased hospital admissions Increased cost Reduced quality of life Increased dependency Increased poly pharmacy
What is ‘frailty’?
Frailty describes someones overall resilience and how this relates to their chance to recover quickly following health problems
