Ageing Physiology, Presentations & Public Health Flashcards
(32 cards)
Normal ageing process: repeated cell _____, leads to the _____ and _____ become damaged
replications
chromosomes
mitochondria
With age, stem cell reserves decrease. T or F
True
What part of the chromosome shortens with every replication and hence is a biological age marker?
Telomeres
What enzyme extends immune and stem cells?
Telomerase
What are 4 options of cell fate?
Repair
Apoptosis
Malignant transformation
Senescence
What is replicative senescence?
What is the name of the term that quantifies replicative senescence?
Telomere becomes too short after many replications to sustain another replication, hence accumulate
Hayflick limit
What is sarcopenia?
Age related loss of muscle mass and function
Increased fat deposits
Sarcopenia contributes to increased falls risk. T or F
True
What are the exercise recommendations in the elderly
150 minutes per week of moderate OR 75 minutes vigorous exercise OR 30 minutes brisk walking 5X a week \+ Strength / balance work 2X a week
Ix for falls?
OT / PT assessment Snellen Postural BP ECG U+Es Sometimes FRAX (bone health)
Define orthostatic hypotension?
SBP >20 or DBP >10 after 3m standing
What are the medical complications of a fall?
Fractures VTE Bronchopneumonia Hypothermia Dehydration Pressure sores Rhabdomyolysis
Which valve disease is most likely to cause syncope?
Aortic stenosis
How does the presentation of an MI vary in an elderly PTx compared to the general population?
More likely to collapse, become dizzy or delirious
1/3 have no chest pain
With regards to MI Mx in the elderly, drugs are ____ likely to give SEs and hence should be prescribed at a ____ dose
With regards to MI Mx in the elderly, drugs are MORE likely to give SEs and hence should be prescribed at a LOWER dose
How does the presentation of sepsis vary in an elderly PTx compared to the general population?
Quicker drop in BP
No >HR
>Delirium risk
What factor should you be wary of when prescribing broad spec antibiotics in the elderly?
Increased c. diff risk
What is overflow diarrhoea? How does it present? How is it diagnosed?
Chronic / severe constipation blocks the bowel
Watery diarrhoea from higher up leaks around it
Presents as watery loose stools
PR exam
What 2 risk factors for overflow diarrhoea are common in the elderly?
Codeine, dehydration
What is the Mx of overflow diarrhoea?
Senna - laxative
Who is eligible for AAA screening and how is it performed?
US
Males over 65
What vaccines do elderly people receive and at what ages?
Influenza annually >65
Pneumococcal 65 one off
Shingles 70 one off
“Pain and paraesthesia in the legs, wide based gait” describes the presentation of what condition that effects the elderly?
Lumbar stenosis
“Decreased sensation, wide based gait” describes the presentation of what condition that effects the elderly?
Peripheral neuropathy
