Ageing and Frailty Flashcards
Why are people getting older?
Increased resources available, better economic conditions, improved screening programmes and better outcomes following major events
What are detrimental effects of ageing?
Hypertension
Decreased reaction time
What are some theories of ageing?
Stochastic - cumulative damage and random
Programmed - predetermined and changes in gene expression during various stages
Homeostatic failure
Describe the physiology of ageing
Affects virtually every organ/ system
Marked inter-individual variability in both development and magnitude of changes
Inter-individual variability increases with age
What is dyshomeostasis?
Physiology should maintain a steady state but impaired function of any organ system makes this more difficult
Frailty is progressive dyshomeostasis
What is frailty?
Susceptibility state that leads to a person being more likely to lose function in the face of a given environment challenge
What is the result of frailty syndromes?
Falls, delirium, immobility and incontinence
What is the ageing effect of normal temperature?
No change in basal body temperature
Minor changes in circadian T rhythm
What is the ageing effect on cold stress?
Reduced peripheral constriction
Reduced metabolic heat protection
What is the ageing effect on heat stress?
Reduced sweat gland output and skin blood flow
Smaller increase in cardiac output
Less redistribution of blood flow from renal and splanchnic circulation
What is meant by social dyshomeostasis?
Difficulty caused by environmental insults not only bio-medical
Ex. death of a spouse or daughter going on holiday
What is the classical presentation of hyperthyroidism?
Tremor, anxiety, weight loss and diarrhoea
What is the presentation of hyperthyroidism in a person with frailty?
Depression, cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and angina
Describe ageism
Older people with frailty are frequently infantilised and dehumanised
Autonomy trumps beneficence
