Ageing + Disease Flashcards
Ageing
Accumulation of damage to cells
Decreased telomere length is a marker
Age changes + lifestyle changes + diseases
Biological > chronological age
External factors which enhance cellular damage speed up the process
Factors that may delay
No smoking Restrictive energy diet Keep desirable body weight Exercise Healthy diet - antioxidants, n-3 FAs, F+V Okinawa
Joints
Arthritis or osteoarthritis common
Gout - uric acid crystals, purine, obesity, alcohol
Sarcopenia
Age related muscle loss Increased mortality Increased risk physical disability Decreased resting EE Increased risk falls Decreased insulin sensitivity
Body composition
Accelerates after 60yrs
Fat mass increases until 75
Increase in visceral abdominal fat
May not impact weight
Cardiovascular system
Prevalence CVD increases age
Modifiable risk factors - obesity, hypertension, smoking, decreased P.A
Diet protection - PUFAs,low salt, n-3 FAs, wholegrains
GI tract
Bowel dysfunction common Most common reason GP visit Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease Vit B12 deficiency damaged gastric mucosa Gut microflora changes
Irregular presentation
MI without chest pain
Constipation as anorexia, vomiting
Cerebrovascular disease - falls, weight loss
Surveys
Nutrition elderly people - adopt advice for younger adults
SENECA - healthy lifestyle delays deterioration health status
Health older people in care - women>men, more anaemia, more underweight
Nutrient deficiencies
Vit C - fortified drinks or supplements Vit D - 10ug/d, expose some skin to sunlight Iron - 8.7mg/d for >50yrs, GI blood loss B12 - absorptive problems Folate - 200ug/d Calcium - 700mg/d
Causes dehydration
Pathological - confusion, altered mood, high body temperature
Ageing - skin loss, altered thirst perception
Iatrogenic - drugs, fluid restriction, urinary incontinence
Dehydration recognition
Dry mouth
Tongue furrows
Cognitive status
Dry underarm
Nutrients + mood
Vit B12 and folate linked to depression
Impacts of medication
Altered smell/taste, fatigue, anorexia, diarrhoea, constipation
Interaction with food - malabsorption of certain nutrients
Chemotherapy - nausea
Diuretics - impair absorption
Anticonvulsants - affect Vit D and folate
Factors influencing food choice
Poverty Mobility Mental health Social support Health Education Accessibility Gatekeeper
