Exam #1: Theories of Aging Flashcards
What is the disposable body theory?
“You’re born, you mature, you reproduce, you die.”
What is the mutation accumulation theory?
All of the different insults (diet, injury, & illness) that you are exposed to in your life have the potential to turn ON the gene that eventually sends you to your demise
What are the physiologic theories of aging?
Targeted DNA damage Mitochondrial DNA damage--free radicals Telomere--loss of activity & length Developmental Genetic Error Catastrophe Free Radical Accumulation Endocrine Immunologic
What is the error catastrophe theory of aging? What type of aging theory is this?
The idea that there are cumulative errors in RNA that lead to catastrophic errors in protein synthesis
What is the free radical theory of aging? What type of aging theory is this?
Free radicals lead to oxidative damage that hasten the aging process
What is the endocrine theory of aging? What type of aging theory is this?
- Decreased synthesis of hormones esp. thyroid leads to many of the symptoms of aging
- Pituitary tumor
What is the nutritional model of again?
Studies on mice have shown if you restrict their calories by 50-60% they live longer
*****Note that this really hasn’t been seen in life w/ real geriatric patients
What syndromes are associated with premature aging?
- Down’s
- Werner
- Progeria
- Klinefelter’s
- Turner’s
- Myotonic Dystrophy
What is the clinker theory of aging?
Potential harmful substances accumulate in the body e.g. amyloid (Alzheimer’s Disease)
What is the calcium theory of again?
Abnormal calcium accumulation especially in muscles results in the symptoms of aging
What is the wear and tear theory of aging?
“We all get old and wear out”
What is the neuro-aging theory?
Idea that we have a set number of neurons and as we grow older, we destroy them
What are some of the two major factors that alter the course of aging?
- Attitude
- Exercise
