Ageing And Disease Flashcards
(18 cards)
Is ageing a pathological process?
No, ageing is NOT pathological, but it increases disease risk.
Define life span vs. life expectancy.
Life span: Max age humans can live (~120 years). Life expectancy: Average age a population lives (e.g., UK 2017: 79.2M/82.9F).
What is ‘compression in mortality’?
Life expectancy increases, but life span remains unchanged (~120 years).
How does skin change with age?
Loses elasticity, thins, becomes drier.
Age-related muscle changes?
Decreased mass/strength; slower recovery.
What is osteoporosis?
Bone density loss → higher fracture risk.
Why does blood pressure rise with age?
Arteries lose elasticity → increased rigidity.
Common cardiovascular diseases in ageing?
Atherosclerosis, hypertension, strokes.
What is arcus senilis?
A grey/white ring around the cornea (normal ageing).
How does the lens change with age?
Yellows slightly; vitreous liquefies.
Prevalence vs. incidence?
Prevalence: Total cases (new + existing). Incidence: New cases in a time period.
Mortality vs. morbidity?
Mortality: Death rates. Morbidity: Disease rates.
What is aetiology?
The root cause of a disease (e.g., virus, gene mutation).
Example of a non-modifiable risk factor?
Age or genetics.
Sensitivity vs. specificity?
Sensitivity: Correctly IDs true positives. Specificity: Correctly IDs true negatives.
What makes a test ‘valid’?
It measures what it claims to measure.
Why might diabetes prevalence rise while incidence stays stable?
Better treatments → patients live longer (existing cases accumulate).
How does menopause relate to endocrine ageing?
Ovaries stop producing estrogen → hormonal shifts.
