Ageing

Question 1

What are the 2 theories of ageing

Answer 1

1. programmed theory

2. error theory

Question 2

what are the 3 theories that fall under programmed theory

Answer 2

1. programmed longevity
2. endocrine theory
3. immunological theory

Question 3

define programmed longevity

Answer 3

ageing is the result of genes being switched off over time

Question 4

define endocrine theory

Answer 4

the biological clock acts through hormones to control rate go ageing

Question 5

define immunological theory

Answer 5

immune system is programmed to decline over time. Leading to an increase in infectious disease and death

Question 6

what are the 4 theories that fall under error theory

Answer 6

1. wear and tear theory
2. cross linking theory
3. free radical theory
4. somatic DNA damage theory

Question 7

define wear and tear theory

Answer 7

cells and tissues wear out from repeated use

Question 8

define cross linking theory

Answer 8

accumulation of cross linked proteins damage cells and proteins

Question 9

define free radical theory

Answer 9

free radicals cause damage to macromolecular components of cells - which causes accumulative damage, impaired function and cell ageing

Question 10

define somatic DNA damage theory

Answer 10

accumulation of DNA damage to cells causing ageing. Talameres shorten with each division of cells

Question 11

define primary ageing

Answer 11

changes that we expect, even if remaining healthy

Question 12

define secondary ageing

Answer 12

the degenerative diseases which become more common with age

Question 13

what happens to blood supply in the nervous system as a result of ageing

Answer 13

blood supply decreases which is associated with a decline in brain mass

Question 14

list the age related changes of the lens

Answer 14

• thickens
• yellows (calls for an increase in light to stimulate receptors)
• clouds
• less elastic

(also the cornea thickens and pupil size declines)

Question 15

what are the 2 conditions that affect accomodation

Answer 15

1. presbyopia

2. hyperbola

Question 16

define presbyopia

Answer 16

hyperbola caused by a decline in elasticity of the lens

Question 17

define hyperbola

Answer 17

being unable to focus pictures on the back of the eye

Question 18

what is a cataract

Answer 18

clouding of the lens that disperses light entering the eye

Question 19

what are the 2 categories of hearing loss

Answer 19

1. conductive

2. sensory neural (cochlea or nerve damage)

Question 20

list some of the changes to hearing that occur due to ageing

Answer 20

• decline in elasticity of the tympanic membrane
• impaired articulation of the ossicles
• loss of neurones in the auditory cortex
• accumulation of noise damage
• high pitch more difficult to hear

Question 21

list some of the changes to balance that occur due to ageing

Answer 21

• loss of hair cells

- degeneration of otiliths (?decline in proprioception) \

Question 22

what are the 3 physical characteristics of the cardiovascular system,

Answer 22

1. distensibility
2. contractility
3. elasticity

Question 23

what are the 3 clinical functions

Answer 23

1. blood pressure
2. cardiac output
3. heart rate

Question 24

how is blood pressure affected as a result of ageing

Answer 24

blood pressure is influenced by peripheral resistance.

Peripheral resistance > with age = > BP

Question 25

what are the 3 factors that determine cardiac output

Answer 25

1. contractility 2. end diastolic volume 3. heart rate

Question 26

list the change that occurs to End Diastolic Volume as a result of ageing

Answer 26

An increase in age leads to a < in diastolic filling due to L ventricle stiffness which can lead to atrial fibrillation and ultimately heart failure

Question 27

what change occurs with heart rate as a result of ageing

Answer 27

a decline in HR in response to exercise, secondary to a decline in response to adrenaline/noradrenaline

Question 28

how is the baroreceptor function and postural hypertension affected as a result of ageing

Answer 28

- baroreceptor reflex declines with age | - a decline in this reflex can lead to postural hypotension and fainting

Question 29

list some of the changes to the respiratory system as a result of ageing

Answer 29

- loss of elastic lung recoil due to damage to fibres in alveolar walls - thinning and disruption of alveolar walls = < alveolar surface - rib cartilage becomes calcified = more muscle effort required

Question 30

what imbalances can a decline in globular filtration lead to (renal system)

Answer 30

- electrolyte imbalance - acid base balance - reduced creating clearance - reduced clearance of toxins

Question 31

what can lead to an incline in incontinence (renal system)

Answer 31

- decline in elasticity and volume of bladder - loss of sphincter tone - poor control

Question 32

list some changes of the gastrointestinal tract due to ageing

Answer 32

- decline in food intake - decline in calorific requirement - decline in senses - decline in peristalsis = constipation

Question 33

define sarcopenia

Answer 33

muscle atrophy and decline in mass

Question 34

list causes of sarcopenia

Answer 34

``` < exercise < hormone levels < motor neurons < fibres = > fat < effectiveness of mitochondria ```

Question 35

how can sarcopenia be prevented

Answer 35

- continuing activity | - weight lifting as it encourages osteoblasts to deposit calcium

Question 36

list some changes to the skin due to ageing

Answer 36

- < contact between epidermis and dermis results in easy separation by simple trauma - < melanocytes = grey hair - < sweat glands = > heat stroke