BPT Geriatrics

Question 1

Changes in fat distribution in older age

Answer 1

Decreased overall fat mass, increased visceral fat (= pathologic consequences of obesity) and waist circumference

Question 2

Changes in muscle in older age

Answer 2

Reduced lean body mass through loss of muscle, fast twitch (type II) fibres affected more than slow (type I).

Fat accumulation within muscle, fibroconnective tissue buildup with reduced muscle strength and impaired mobility.

Question 3

Changes in bone composition in older age

Answer 3

Progressive demineralisation with reduced bone strength and increased fracture risk. Gender differences in effect of ageing on bone explained by differences in peak bone mass and effects of gonadal hormones. Women lose bone mass at an earlier age.

Question 4

Effects of ageing on male gonadal hormones (FSH, LH, testosterone, DHEAS)

Answer 4

Decreased: testosterone, DHEAS, LH

Increased: FSH

Question 5

Effects of ageing on female gonadal hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol, oestrogen)

Answer 5

Decreased: estradiol, oestrogen
Increased: LH, FSH

Question 6

Effect of ageing on cortisol, aldosterone

Answer 6

Decreased: aldosterone
Increased: cortisol

Question 7

Effect of ageing on insulin

Answer 7

Increasing fat levels associated with increasing insulin resistance and increased insulin levels

Question 8

Effect of ageing on IGF-1 and GH

Answer 8

Both decreased

Question 9

Effects of ageing on leptin

Answer 9

Leptin increases - associated with decreased appetite (satiety hormone)