ageing biology and physiology Flashcards
what is a telomere
the end bit of a chromosome arm which provides a marker of biological age
what does telomerase do?
can re-extend shorted telomeres
needed for DNA replication
protects chromosomes from replicating too much
are shorter telomeres bad>
they are associated with disease like dementia and anaemia and the faster they shorten the faster you get ill
what organs change with age?
less brain volume
less muscle mass
less nephrons
smaller lung volume
how can constipation present in the elderly?
confusion overflow diarrhoea abdo pain urinary retention nausea loss of appetite
what can cause constipation in the elderly?
pyrexia dehydration immobility positioning low calorie diet low fibre no access to toilet routine change
what drugs can cause constipation
iron calcium opiods calcium channel blockers anti cholingerics
describe hyperactive delirium
strong wandering hard to reason with hyperalert aggressive
what drug do you give for hyperactive derlium?
haloperidol ( except in parkinsons, alcohol withdrawel and lewy body demetia)
what is the hayflick limit?
limit the number of times human cells and replicate
what is sarcopenia?
loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function
when does muscle mass start to decline?
at 30
how can we prevent sarcopenia?
EXERCISE
