Geriatrics: Pathophysiology of Ageing Flashcards
Why are people getting older?
- Increased resources available
- Better economic conditions
- Improved screening programs with earlier diagnosis and treatment
- Better outcomes following major event
What is a benefit of ageing?
Increased experiential learning
What are some disadvantages of ageing?
- Hypertension
- Decreased reaction time
What are some neutral changes that occur with ageing?
- Grey hair
- Pastime preference changes
Name 3 different theories of ageing.
- Stochastic
- Programmed
- Homeostasis failure
What is the stochastic theory of ageing?
- Cumulative damage
- Random
What is the programmed theory of ageing?
- Predetermined
- Changes in gene expression during various stages
How does ageing vary amongst individuals?
- Affects virtually every organ/system
- Marked inter-individual variability in both development and magnitude of changes
- Inter-individual variability INCREASES with age
- Evidence very limited for 80+
What is the point of physiology?
To maintain a steady state
What make physiology more difficult?
Impaired function of any organ system
What is frailty?
Frailty is effectively progressive dyshomeostasis
What is the ageing effect on circadian rhythm in normothermia?
Minor changes in circadian rhythm
What is the ageing effect on peripheral vasoconstriction with cold stress?
Reduced peripheral vasoconstriction
What is the ageing effect on metabolic heat production with cold stress?
Reduced metabolic heat production
What is the ageing effect on sweat gland function with heat stress?
Reduced sweat gland output
What is the ageing effect on skin blood flow with heat stress?
Reduced skin blood flow
What is the ageing effect on cardiac output with heat stress?
Smaller increase in cardiac output
What is the ageing effect on blood flow redistribution with heat stress?
Less redistribution of blood flow from renal and splanchnic circulations
What is social dyshomeostasis?
Difficulty caused by environmental insults not only bio-medical
Give some examples of social dyshomeostasis.
Different ability to compensate for:
- Death of a spouse
- Daughter going on holiday
How can hyperthyroidism present in someone with frailty?
- Depression
- Cognitive impairment
- Muscle weakness
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart failure
- Angina
Why is there an evidence gap in the elderly population?
Many conditions are more common in older people but there are few trials of medication in older people
