Discuss the physiological changes associated with ageing and how these changes relate to the disease burden in society

Question 1

What role does chronic inflammation play in ageing at a cellular level?

Answer 1

it partly drives the production of reactive oxygen species

Question 2

What change in bone occurs with ageing, and what are the clinical consequences of this?

Answer 2

• reduced bone mineral density
• increased risk of osteoporosis
• increased risk of fracture

Question 3

What is ageing defined as?

Answer 3

a progressive accumulation through life of random molecular defects that build up within cells and tissues

Question 4

How does mitochondrial DNA and lipid perodoxidation cause oxidative damage at a cellular level?

Answer 4

they result in reduced cellular energy production and ultimately cell death

Question 5

How does nuclear chromosomal DNA cause oxidative damage at a cellular level?

Answer 5

it causes mutations and deletions resulting in gene malfunction and potential malignancy

Question 6

What molecules cause oxidative damage at a cellular level?

Answer 6

• nuclear chromosomal DNA
• telomeres
• mitochondrial DNA and lipid perodoxidation

Question 7

How do telomeres cause oxidative damage at a cellular level?

Answer 7

• telomeres shorten with each cell division due to absence of telomerase in somatic cells
• when telomeres are sufficiently eroded, cells stop dividing

Question 8

At a cellular level, what plays a major role in ageing?

Answer 8

reactive oxygen species

Question 9

What are the clinical consequences of ageing on the cardiovascular system?

Answer 9

• reduced exercise tolerance
• increased risk of postural hypotension
• increased risk of atrial fibrillation

Question 10

What changes occur in the cardiovascular system due to ageing?

Answer 10

• reduced maximum heart rate
• dilation of aorta
• reduced number of pacing myocytes in sinoatrial node

Question 11

True or false?

The effects of ageing are usually not enough to interfere with organ function under normal conditions

Answer 11

true

reserve capacity is significantly reduced

Question 12

What change in the endocrine system occurs with ageing, and what is the clinical consequence of it?

Answer 12

• deterioration in pancreatic B-cell function
• increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance