HLTH 2501: aging and disease process Flashcards

1
Q

when does aging become evident?

A

around age 30 and depends on genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health status

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2
Q

senescence

A

refers to the period of life from old age to death

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3
Q

what gender lives longer?

A

women

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4
Q

what factors can prevent aging?

A

improved social conditions, improved nutrition, exercise, and cognitive activities

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5
Q

what are organs or tissues that cannot regenerate?

A

the brain and the myocardium

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6
Q

theories of aging

A

through cell apoptosis; through wear and tear causing cellular damage due to changes in collagen and elastic fibres, as well as altered protein components; errors during mitosis; through viruses and autoimmune reactions; and through free radicals

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7
Q

what are free radicals?

A

reactive chemicals produced during cell metabolism such as peroxides; these can damage nucleic acids and cells

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8
Q

telomeres

A

are the end of a DNA strand that protect our chromosomes

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9
Q

changes in tissues due to aging

A

less regular arrangement of cells can be a due to a decrease in elasticity and collagen of tissues and decreased mitosis

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10
Q

why does mitosis slow with aging?

A

due to a slower metabolic rate

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11
Q

hormones and aging

A

hormone secretions remain stable but the number of tissue receptors may decrease, thus decreasing the body’s response to hormones

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12
Q

why is type 2 diabetes common in older people?

A

because there are decreased tissue receptors for insulin

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13
Q

what hormone structures remain stable during aging?

A

pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, and pancreas

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14
Q

what is menopause?

A

when the ovaries cease to produce estrogen and progesterone, causing FSH and LH to ris

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15
Q

what are changes associated with menopause?

A

thinning of the mucosa, loss of elasticity, decreased glandular secretions in the vagina and cervix, decreased breast tissue, and more alkaline pH of the vagina; this can lead to inflammation and painful sexual intercourse

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16
Q

why are menopausal women at risk for recurrent vaginal infections?

A

because the pH of their vaginal secretions increases, thus microorganisms are likely to be here

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17
Q

systemic signs of menopause

A

hot flashes, headaches, irritability, and insomnia

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18
Q

aging males and testosterone

A

as testosterone levels decline, the testes decrease in size, sperm production is reduced, and the glandular secretions of the prostate decrease

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19
Q

benign prostatic hypertrophy

A

is common in older males when the central part of the gland around the urethra hypertrophies, resulting in some obstruction

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20
Q

changes in the skin during aging

A

the skin thins, become fragile, the glands atrophy, wound healing is delayed, less blood supply, less receptors, wrinkles, stig tages, keratoses, and less melanocytes causing grey hair

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21
Q

what causes wrinkly skin?

A

decrease in elastic fibres and collagen fibres become less flexible

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22
Q

heart changes during aging

A

occurs in the cardiac muscle fibres and CT, causing the left ventricle to appear smaller, the myocardium to shrink, and for heart valves to thicken

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23
Q

why is impulse conduction of the heart impaired during aging?

A

due to the accumulation of fatty tissue and collagen fibres

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24
Q

how to maintain heart health during aging?

A

adequate fluid intake and exercise

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25
Q

what causes the atreial walls to thicken?

A

the accumulation of collagen and this may impair expansion of the large arteries and cause obstructions, leading to arteriosclerosis and elevated BP

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26
Q

erosclerosis

A

is the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in the walls of large arteries; this predisposes thrombus formation

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27
Q

what is osteoporosis common in?

A

menopausal women

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28
Q

where are fractures common in those with osteoporosis?

A

the spine, pelvis, and limbs

29
Q

factors leading to osteoporosis?

A

hereditary predisposition, decreased estrogen levels, decreased weight wearing activity, decreased calcium, vitamin C and D intake, decreased intestinal absorption of calcium, and decreased osteoblast activity

30
Q

what can cause decreased osteoblast activity?

A

increased glucocorticoid use

31
Q

recommendations to decrease risk and progression of osteoporosis?

A

increased calcium and vitamin D intake, walking and weight bearing exercises, PT, hormonal therapy (estrogen), and biphosphate drugs

32
Q

function of biphosphate drugs

A

inhibit bone resorption; ex. alendronate sodium

33
Q

osteoarthritis

A

occurs when the cartilage in joints become thin and erosions occur, impairing movements and causing pain

34
Q

herniated intervertebral disc

A

occurs when the fibrocartilage in the intervertebral discs degenerates, causing pressure on the spinal nerves and resulting in back pain

35
Q

musculoskeletal changes with aging

A

osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, herniated intervertebral disc, declining skeletal muscle mass (can cause ulcers), decreasing muscle contractions, decreased flexibility, slower movements, and decreasing balance

36
Q

reasons why ventilation may be impaired during aging?

A

decreased elasticity in the lungs, calcified costal cartilage, and weakened and atrophied skeletal muscle

37
Q

what is the result of impaired ventilation?

A

expiration is reduced and residual volume increases, coughing efficiency is reduced, secretions accumulate, and risk for pneumonia increases

38
Q

vascular degeneration in the lungs

A

decreases the efficiency of gas exchange, leading to increased CO2 levels and low O2 levels

39
Q

how can brain function be preserved?

A

exercise and stimulation of cognitive function

40
Q

how does the brain change with aging?

A

neurons decline, lipids accumulate in neurons, myelin sheath decreases, plaques form, abnormal neurofibrils develop, and there is a decreased response to neurotransmitters

41
Q

neurofibrils

A

masses of tiny, tangled fibres

42
Q

why do neurofibrils and plaques increase with aging?

A

due to organic brain syndrome (includes senile dementia and Alzheimer’s)

43
Q

general changes in neurologic function older individuals

A

slower response time, decreased reflexes, and short-term memory lapses

44
Q

ANS degeneration

A

causes decreased tolerance to extreme hot or tol, poor blood circulation, decreased metabolism, and decreased activity levels

45
Q

how does the eye degenerate with aging?

A

the iris and its associated muscles degenerate, resulting in decreased adaptation of the pupil to light and possible obstruction of aqueous humor; this can cause intraocular pressure, glaucoma, impaired night vision, and cataracts

46
Q

what does the lens appear as during aging?

A

larger, yellow, less elastic, and less transparent

47
Q

hearing loss for aging

A

occurs in inner ear in either the nerve receptor cells of the cochlea or the nerve fibres supplying the ears

48
Q

taste due to aging

A

taste is altered by reduced salivary secretions or decreased perception within the CNS

49
Q

smell and aging

A

the ability to discriminate among odors is reduced

50
Q

mouth changes and aging

A

loss of teeth may occur due to periodontal disease, there are decreased salivary secretions (this can cause difficulty chewing), the mucosa thins, blood flow is reduced, and swallowing difficulties may arise

51
Q

periodontal disease

A

inflammation and infection in the tissue surrounding the teeth

52
Q

xerostomia

A

aka dry mouth; is common in aging due to decreased saliva

53
Q

what may cause swallowing difficulties in older individuals?

A

neurological causes, scar tissue, or hiatal hernia

54
Q

obesity and aging

A

is common as the basal metabolic rate decreases; this can lead to increased cardiac workload, atherosclerosis, hypertension, gallstones, and diabetes

55
Q

what does nutrient absorption decline with aging?

A

because the mucosa and glands of the GI tract atrophy and are reduced; this can cause nutrient deficiency and peptic ulcers

56
Q

cancer and aging

A

is common in the reproductive organs due to decreased hormone secretion, as well in the stomach and colon due to constipation

57
Q

factors leading to constipation in the elderly

A

low fibre, low fluid intake, low activity, and excessive use of laxatives

58
Q

what can chronic constipation lead to?

A

hemorrhoids

59
Q

why does kidney function decrease with age?

A

due to loss of glomeruli and degeneration of the tubules and vessels

60
Q

what is the result of kidney impairment?

A

the kidneys have a diminished ability to compensate for changes in electrolyte and pH balance, as well have a reduced ability to secrete drugs into the urine

61
Q

what is the result of reduced bladder emptying?

A

frequency, nocturia, and infection

62
Q

nocturia

A

frequent urination during the night

63
Q

result of childbirth to pelvic floor

A

the muscles have been stretched and weakened, reducing the ability for the external sphincter to restrict urinary outflow

64
Q

why might urinary incontinence occur?

A

reduced sensory perception of a full bladder and a weakened urethra sphincter

65
Q

why are infections common in the elderly?

A

poor circulation impairs the normal defence mechanisms and tissue healing is delayed due to reduced mitosis

66
Q

how does the immune system age?

A

decreased production of T cells, B cells, and mature lymphocytes; the antibody pool may be large but the body is less effective at fighting new microbes

67
Q

multiple disorders and aging

A

these are common in the older population, and many conditions can lead to subsequent problems; also due to the large number of medications they may be taking, as undesirable drug interactions may develop

68
Q
A