Elderly- Ageing and Fragility Flashcards
What are some of the reasons why people are living longer?
- Increased resources availability
- Better economic conditions
- Improved screening programs with earlier diagnosis and treatment
- Better outcomes following major events: Cardiac, Stroke, Surgery
What are the beneficial aspects of ageing?
Increased experiential learning
What are the natural aspects of ageing?
Grey hair
Pastime preference
What are the detrimental aspects of ageing?
Hypertension
Decreased reaction time
What are the 3 theories of ageing?
- Stochastic
- Programmed
- Homeostatic failure
What is Stochastic theory of ageing?
Ageing is due to cumulative damage and is random
What is the programmed theory of ageing?
Ageing is Predetermined
Changes in gene expression during various stages
How does ageing impact the kidneys?
There is a decrease in creatinine clearance (ml/min)
How does ageing impact the heart?
Systolic BP increases, Diastolic BP decreases
Cardiac output decreases
How does ageing impact the lungs?
Vital Capacity decreases
What is dyshomeostasis due to?
Impaired function of any organ system makes maintaining homeostasis difficult, leading to Dyshomeostasis
What is frailty in terms of dyshomeostasis?
Frailty is progressive dyshomeostasis
What is Frailty?
A susceptibility state that leads to a person being more likely to lose function in the face of a given environmental challenge
What are frailty syndromes?
- Falls
- Delirium
- Immobility
- Incontinence
How does hyperthyroidism present in someone with frailty?
- Depression
- Cognitive impairment
- Muscle weakness
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart failure
- Angina
What are the practical implications of increased life expectancy?
Increasing number people with multiple medical conditions
Increased inter-individual variability in organ function and homeostatic reserve
Little evidence of drug efficacy and safety for patients over 80
Multiple medications
Why is there little evidence of drug efficacy and safety for patients over 80?
Mainly young and middle aged test subjects
What issues can arise with someone being put on multiple medications?
Drug-drug interactions
Adverse drug reactions
How does normothermia differ in someone who is older?
No change in basal body temperature
Minor changes in circadian rhythm
How does heat stress differ in someone older?
Recued sweat gland output
Reduced skin blood flow
Smaller increase in cardiac output
Less redistribution of blood flow from renal and splanchnic circulations
How does cold stress differ in someone older?
Reduced peripheral vasoconstriction
Reduced metabolic heat production
