Complications of ageing

Question 1

What is the main mechanism of ageing?

Answer 1

Telomere degredation and apoptosis

Question 2

What is senescence?

Answer 2

Senescence or biological aging is the gradual deterioration of functional characteristics in living organisms. The word senescence can refer to either cellular senescence or to senescence of the whole organism.

Question 3

How ageing affect cardiac muscle and connective tissue?

Answer 3

-Collagen accumulation leads to:
Arrythmias
Contractility issues
Arteriosclerosis
Hypertension

-Left ventricular hypertrophy causes increased peripheral resistance

-Valve closure deficiency from old and worn valves leads to regurgitation

-Endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis

Question 4

How does ageing affect the lungs and respiratory system?

Answer 4

Reduced elasticity
Calcification of costal cartilage & muscle atrophy - ribs can’t expand as effectively (coughs become ineffective - increased risk of aspiriation and pneumonia)
MSK changes (e.g. kyposis)

Question 5

How does ageing affect the nervous system?

Answer 5

Decrease in brain weight (approx. 175g from 20-80)
Neuron decline (slower reaction, thought process etc.)
Lipid accumulation
Myelin sheath damage (increased sensitivity to temperature and pain)
Neurofibrils & artherosclerosis (leads to organic brain syndrome e.g. delerium, dementia etc.)

More general changes include:
Reduced response
Sensory decline
Autonomic changes (circulation and metabolism)

Question 6

How do degenerative changes in the autonomic system affect drug treatment of elderly patients?

Answer 6

Changes in circulation and metabolism can lead to reduced distribution and absorption - longer time to take effect

Question 7

How does ageing affect the bones?

Answer 7

Lower calcium levels and reduced bone strength can lead to osteoporosis (females more susceptablie but common in both genders)

Question 8

What are the risk factors for age related bone degredation?

Answer 8

Menopause (decreased oestrogen)
Hereditary history
Weight bearing
Diet

Question 9

What can lead to poor health in relation to diet in the elderly?

Answer 9

Patients born in/just after wartime - reduction in availible nutritious foods
Taste changes - patients might avoid healthier foods they cannot taste anymore

Question 10

What are the four main effects of cartilage erosion?

Answer 10

Erosion
Bone spurs
Pain
Reduced joint movement

Question 11

How does ageing affect the GI and renal system?

Answer 11

Reduced kidney function
-Reduced mass
-Reduced filtration rate
-Reduced plasma flow
-Increased renin release - can have cardiac effects
-Reduced renal compensation - drug induced renal failure

Reduced bladder function
-Prostate problems - males
-Post child birth and affected pelvic floor - females
-Reduction in muscle tone of pelvic floor can occur in both genders - urinary problems

Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis