Aging

Question 1

what do damage/error theroies of aging describe?

Answer 1

the accumulation of damage to DNA, cells and tissue. For example, loss of telomeres or oxidative damage as the cause of ageing. If we could repair this damage, we could prevent ageing.

Question 2

what do programmed aging theories describe?

Answer 2

how genetic, hormonal and immunological changes over the lifetime of an organism lead to the cumulative deficits we see as ageing. These theories suggest that this is part of an inescapable biological timetable, just as growth and puberty are programmed to occur.

Question 3

define frailty

Answer 3

decreased reserve and resistance to stressors resulting from cumulative decline across multiple physiologic systems and causing vulnerability to adverse outcomes

Question 4

define dementia

Answer 4

chronic, progressive, degenerative disease which cause a decline in cognition. The most common types (Alzheimer’s and vascular) often start with memory problems, but over time include all cognitive functions

Question 5

Define delerium

Answer 5

acute episode of confusion, usually with a clear precipitant such as infection or medication changes.

Question 6

Describe changes that occur in the brain with age

Answer 6

increased CSF volume
enlarging of ventricles
gaps between gyri widen

Question 7

List advantages of MOCA

Answer 7

covers variety of domains
breif and quick to do
validated
translations are available

Question 8

List disadvantages of MOCA

Answer 8

education level affects results 
language level affects results
floor and ceiling affects (too hard or too easy)
can be poorly administered
practice/coaching effects

Question 9

4 things to consider when doing cognitive test on elderly

Answer 9

shorter attention span
slower processing and rxn time 
hearing impairment 
visual impairment 
inability to write