Chapter 2 (E1) Flashcards
What varies from individual to individual?
The aging process
What is a change of behavior of an organism with age?
Senescence
A group of theories that are concerned with answering basic questions regarding the physiologic process that occurs in all living organisms as they chronologically age?
Biologic Theories of aging
What are byproducts of fundamental metabolic activities within the body?
Production of these may increase because of environmental pollutants (ozone, pesticides, and radiation)
Free radicals
Free radicals are neutralized by enzymatic activity or natural antioxidants (vitamin C + E), but if they are not neutralized, they may cause what?
Cell damage/Cell death
Free radicals can cause mutations of what?
DNA-RNA transcription
(Free radicals do not contain DNA)
A lipid and protein enriched pigmented material that has been found to accumulate in older adults tissues and is commonly referred to as “age spots”?
Lipofuscin
As the lipofuscin increases, healthy tissue is slowly derived from oxygen and nutrient supply resulting in what?
Death of the tissue
Administration of antioxidants postpones the appearance of what?
Diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer
Theory of aging, some proteins become increasingly enmeshed and may impede metabolic processes by obstructing the passage of nutrients and wastes between compartments?
Primarily involves collagen
Cross-Linkage theory
Where has cross-linkage agents been found?
Unsaturated fats, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, radiation
Many medications older adults ingest contain what?
Aluminum
Where are susceptible places to cross linking under the conditions of increased glucose?
Lens of the eye
Membranes of the kidneys
Blood vessels
What causes an increased amount of cross linking?
Increased blood glucose
What has been proposed as a primary cause of arteriosclerosis, decrease in immune system, and loss of skin elasticity?
Cross-Linkage