Physiological Changes with Aging Flashcards
Characteristics of Senescence
Its characteristics are universal
Change comes from within the individual
Associated processes occur gradually
Changes have a deleterious effect on the individual
At age 75, the average person compared to Age 30
92% of brain weight
84% of basal metabolism
70% kidney filtration rate
43% of maximal breathing capacity
Changes in body composition include a decrease in:
Lean body mass
Strength by 8% per decade after 30 y/o
20-40% decrease in isometric force during 80-90 y/o
Changes in body composition include an increase in:
Fat Mass
LDL Cholesterol
An age-related loss of muscle mass
Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia includes the following physiological changes:
Decrease in motor unit number
Altered satellite cell number/function
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Altered proteostasis
Increase inflammation
Sedentary lifestyle
Changes in hormonal levels
Ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass, loss of nutrition, and abnormal metabolism
Cacchexia
An increase in proinflammatory cytokines results in
Increase in systemic inflammation leading to Alcheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome
Fat mass, an inflammatory organ, shifts from the periphery to the abdomen; an increase in intra-abdominal fat results in
Muscle wasting
Affect function of body systems (reducing the window of homeostasis)
Skeletomuscular system changes
Increase bone breakdown rate
Decrease bone accretion rate
Decline in bone minerals with age
Referred to as degenerative joint disease; most commonly associated with weight-bearing joints
Osteoporosis
A chronic, systemic inflammatory disease of connective tissue
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Over 90% of hip fractures are caused by
Falling; most often sideways
Changes in melanocytes
Decrease by 15% per decade
Density doubles on sun-exposed skin
Changes in Langerhans cells
Decrease in density and responsiveness
Dermal changes
Annual decrease in collagen by 1%
Decreased density
Progressive loss of elastic tissue
Changes in CNS function
Decrease in brain weight
Decreased cerebral blood flow
Altered neurotransmitters
A subjective sense of decline in memory is common among people aged 50 years old and above
Benign Senescent Forgetfulness
Changes in PNS
Decreased Spinal Motor Neurons
Slowed Nerve Conductions
Decreased vibration sensation
Decreased thermal sensitivity
Vision loss amongst people with diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retina dislodges
Retinal Detachment
PT considerations in treating patients w Retinopathy
Adaptation of HEP instructions
PT gym/room, hallways with deco
Patterns of flooring
Safety in environment, adequate light
Use of contrasting colors
Presentations of patients with Audition problems
Bilateral loss of high-frequency tones
Thickened eardrum
Central processing deficit
Impaired discrimination of target from noise
PT consideration in treating patients with Audition problems
Speak slowly and clearly
Move closer
Lower the pitch of your voice
