The Ageing Process

Question 1

What happens at cellular level to cause ageing?

Answer 1

As DNA cells divide, there is a little bit of error and damage introduced.

These cells then become dysfunctional

Lifestyle stress, inactivity, poor diet and inflammation increase this damage

Question 2

Give examples of damage at cellular level that can cause certain conditions?

Answer 2

Mutations in chromosomes - cancer
Cellular loss (lack of stem cells / cell replacement) - Parkinsons/MS

Question 3

What part of a chromosome determines how many times DNA can replicate?

Answer 3

Telomere

• progressively shortens with each cell replication
• eventually becomes too short to sustain cell replication

Question 4

What protein can re-lengthen the telomeres for more DNA replication, and in what cells is this used?

Answer 4

Telomerase
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Active in some cells (e.g. immune cells, stem cells) which need to divide many times

Question 5

What extrinsic factors can cause damage to DNA and protein formation?

Answer 5

• Ionising radiation
• Reactive oxygen species (e.g. peroxide)
• Extrinsic toxins

Question 6

If the body has damage repair mechanisms, then why don’t all damaged cells in the body get repaired?

Answer 6

• After reproductive age

- Damage not repaired at the same rate it accumulates

Question 7

A theory has been hypothesised to say that some genes are beneficial in early life but are a “timebomb” as they become harmful in later life. Give an example of this?

Answer 7

Huntington’s gene provides more p53 at young age and therefore lowers risk of cancer

However in older age it causes major neuro-degenerative effects

Question 8

Describe the difference in response to a minor infection by a frail elderly patient

Answer 8

• larger deterioration
• decline in function
• rarely return to baseline function

Question 9

What 2 models are used to assess Frailty?

Answer 9

Fried Score (about physical characteristics)

Rockwood Model (about deficit accumulation in each body system)

Question 10

How can frailty potentially be picked up from patients medical records?

Answer 10

Electronic Frailty Index

• analyses GP records and scans for 36 types of deficit which make patients more likely to be frail
• e.g. arthritis, hearing difficulty, social isolation

Question 11

What hospital related complications are frail patients more at risk of?

Answer 11

• delirium
• weight loss
• immobility
• pressure sores

Question 12

Social isolation plays a large part in elderly patients health. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 12

TRUE

having a good social network helps patients to stay healthier for longer

Question 13

Physical activity in old age protects against what conditions?

Answer 13

Heart disease
Diabetes
Some cancers
Mild depression
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Question 14

Any sudden decline in older patients is usually due to their age. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 14

FALSE

Sudden decline is usually due to disease

Question 15

What advancements in medicine would cause the life expectancy to further increase?

Answer 15

?New treatment of cancer

?treatments to prevent multi-system degeneration