Ageing/Degeneration

Question 1

what general changes are seen with ageing?

Answer 1

tissue response to injury
accumulation of genetic damage
elicits compensatory mechanisms (initally beneficial but leads to further damage resulting in phenotype alterations)
affects mechanism balance ensuring organ homeostasis

Question 2

what bodily (physiological) changes are seen in ageing?

Answer 2

decreased tissue volume/function
altered molecular dispositon of matrix
accumulation of degraded molecules
altered trophic hormone levels, growth factors, cytokines, cell responses
altered loading patterns of tissues

Question 3

what are the general consequences to ageing?

Answer 3

altered balance
increased injury risk
chronic pain
loss of independance

Question 4

what are the 3 main MSK ageing syndromes?

Answer 4

joints - OA
bones - OP
muscle - sarcopenia

Question 5

what is sarcopenia?

Answer 5

general skeletal muscle disorder associated with increased risk of injury, disability and mortality

Question 6

what is the primary indicator for sarcopenia and how is it tested?

Answer 6

low muscle strength/quality/quantity - tested through physical performance