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patho exam#1 pt1
aging
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Senescence | Biological processes that lead to aging Begins prior to birth Several theories as to cause Also refers to period from onset of old age to death |
| The Aging Process | Rate and effects of aging vary among individuals. May not match chronologic age Rate of changes depend on -Genetic makeup -Lifestyle -Health status -Cardiovascular fitness |
| The Aging Process (Cont’d) | Overall, women live longer than men. General reduction in function occurs throughout body. Most vulnerable tissues are those that cannot regenerate effectively: -CNS -Skeletal muscle -Cardiac muscle -Kidney |
| Theories of Aging | Genetically programmed -Apoptosis – programmed cell death “Wear-and-tear” -Accumulated wastes -Altered proteins -Lipofuscin -Degenerative changes in collagen Random errors during cell mitosis |
| Theories of Aging (Cont’d) | Latent viruses Increased autoimmune reactions Environmental agents “Free radicals” -Peroxides -Free radicals damage nucleic acids, leading to cancer and other diseases. |
| Hormonal Changes | With the exception of estrogen and testosterone, the level of hormone secretion remains relatively constant. Number of tissue receptors decrease. Speed of hormonal response may diminish. |
| Reproductive System Changes - Females -Menopause (average age 51 years) | -Ovaries do not respond to FSH and LH -Lack of ovulation -Declining estrogen and progesterone levels -Cessation of menstrual cycle -“Hot flashes” |
| Reproductive System Changes - Females (Cont’d): Menopause | Mood swings -Hormonal changes -Social expectations -Fatigue Dyspareunia – painful sexual intercourse -Thinning of vaginal mucosa, loss of elasticity -Decreased glandular secretions |
| Reproductive System Changes - Males | -Testosterone levels decline gradually. -Muscle mass decreases. -Testes decrease in size. -Sperm production somewhat reduced -Glandular secretions of prostate decrease. -Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) common |
| Changes in Skin and Mucosa | Some related to genetic factors Many based on exposure to sun and weather Skin and mucous membranes become thin and more easily damaged. Dermis thinner – subcutaneous tissue diminished Number of specialized structures declines: -Sweat glands -Recept |
| Changes in Skin and Mucosa (Cont’d) | Skin dry because of reduced sebum Appears wrinkled -Elastic fibers reduced -Collagen fibers less flexible Lesions include skin tags, keratoses, lentigenes Hair becomes gray. -Melanocytes are reduced in number. Thinning of hair-Number of hair folli |
| Cardiovascular Changes | Size and number of cardiac muscle fibers decrease Fatty tissue and collagen fibers accumulate Reduced strength of contraction Heart valves thicken, become less flexible Vascular changes may cause a decrease in O supply to heart, Cardiac reserve dimini |
| Pathologies of the Cardiovascular System-Arteriosclerosis | -Loss of elasticity, accumulation of collagen -Thickening of arteriolar walls -Increased peripheral resistance -Tissue ischemia -Cause of non-specific brain changes |
| Pathologies of the Cardiovascular System-Atherosclerosis | -Hyperlipidemia -Promotes accumulation of cholesterol in walls of large arteries -Increased peripheral resistance -Tissue ischemia -Common cause of angina, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, strokes |
| Osteoporosis | Loss of calcium and bone mass Higher incidence in postmenopausal women Fractures of spine, pelvis, and limbs common |
| Risk factors of Osteoporosis | Risk factors: Asian or northern European ancestry Low body mass index Decreased estrogen levels Sedentary or inactive lifestyle Decreased intake of calcium, vitamins C and D |
| Risk Reduction | Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake Weight-bearing exercises Bone density testing for women at age 50 or earlier |
| Osteoarthritis | Degeneration of cartilage in joints May be associated with trauma or sports injuries Articular cartilage thins -Usually in larger weight-bearing joints -Pain and stiffness -Joint replacement may be necessary. |
| Other Musculoskeletal Changes | Ventilation is limited by Elasticity in lung tissue is reduced. Costal cartilage calcifies, reducing rib movement Skeletal (intercostal) muscles weaken |
| Respiratory Changes | Ventilation is limited by -Elasticity in lung tissue is reduced. -Costal cartilage calcifies, reducing rib movement -Skeletal (intercostal) muscles weaken |
| Respiratory Changes (cont'd) | Expiration is reduced. -Residual volume increased -Decreased expansion for deep breathing and coughing Vascular changes Decreased perfusion Reduced gas exchange in alveoli |
| Neurologic Changes | Natural reduction in neurons with aging Lipid accumulations in neurons Loss of myelin Decreased response to neurotransmitters Slower response time |
| Changes in Vision | Lens becomes less flexible. -Reduced accommodation Lens tends to become yellow, less transparent -Cataracts develop Night vision reduced Color vision may be reduced. Vascular degeneration may affect retina. |
| Other Changes in Sensation | Hearing loss:Usually due to degenerative changes in inner ear Sense of taste may be less. Decreased sense of smell may become safety issue. |
| Other Changes in Sensation (cont'd) | Ability to discriminate among odors is reduced. Diminished taste and smell sensation may impair appetite and nutrition. |
| Gastrointestinal Changes and Nutrition | Maintenance of good nutrition may be a problem. Decreased sense of smell and taste leading to anorexia Lack of money for adequate nutrition Muscle weakness and fatigue |
| Gastrointestinal Changes and Nutrition (Cont’d) | Obesity in older individuals -Increases cardiac workload -Atherosclerosis and hypertension -Type 2 diabetes |
| Urinary System Changes | Kidney function reduced -Loss of nephrons -Diminished ability to adapt to changes in electrolyte and acid levels -Reduced capacity to excrete drugs |
| Urinary System Changes (cont'd) | Weakened urinary sphincter and bladder -Nocturia (peeing at night) -Incontinence (involuntary voiding of urine) |
| Other Factors | Infections -Delayed healing *Reduced rate of mitosis -Less rapid immune responses Cancer -Higher cumulative exposure to carcinogens Autoimmune disorders |
| Multiple Disorders | Common in older population Integrated treatment for all interacting problems is necessary. Changes in one system often cause cascade of other problems. Synergistic effects |
| Multiple Disorders (Cont’d) | Large number of medications common -Prescription, herbal, and over-the-counter -Increased risk of undesirable drug interactions -Compliance may be a problem. |
| Multiple Disorders (Cont’d) | -Often necessary to adjust dosage and drug combinations *Unpredictable absorption, distribution, elimination of drugs |
Created by:
wakado408
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