Theories of Aging

Question 1

What are the two causes of the loss of homeostasis?

Answer 1

1. Breakdown in maintenance of specific molecular structures/pathways
2. overall organ system stress

Question 2

Is there agreement on the definition of aging?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

What is the disposable body theory?

Answer 3

Birth, breed, death

Question 4

What is the mutation accumulation theory?

Answer 4

Every insult has the potential to turn on problems

Question 5

What is the targeted DNA damage theory of aging?

Answer 5

Cumulative deletions, mutations, and translocations

Question 6

What is the mitochondrial theory of aging?

Answer 6

Altered mito = more ROS

Question 7

What is the telomere theory of aging?

Answer 7

Loss of telomeres

Question 8

What is the error catastrophe theory of aging?

Answer 8

Cumulative errors in RNA and protein synthesis

Question 9

What is the accumulation theory?

Answer 9

Accumulation of abnormal proteins that are not removed

Question 10

What is a commonly missed disease in the elderly?

Answer 10

Hypothyroidism

Question 11

What are the 6 premature aging syndromes?

Answer 11

1. Down
2. Werner
3. Progeria
4. Klinefelter
5. Turner
6. Myotonic dystrophy

Question 12

What is the Ca theory of aging?

Answer 12

Abnormal Ca movements cause free radical damage, etc

Question 13

What is the neuro-aging theory?

Answer 13

All cells undergo nervous system degeneration, which changes hormonal release, leading to decline in cell function

Question 14

What is the most influential factor of how a pt ages?

Answer 14

How they handle the changes, and attitude