MSKS Clinical Lecture 13_MSKS Considerations in Aging

Question 1

What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica(PMR)?

Answer 1

• Inflammatory condition: aching/stiffness/weakness of girdle
areas- proximal shoulders and legs/hips.
• Non-erosive polyarthralgia disorder
• Only seen in persons > 50-years old!!
• May be associated with Giant-Cell Arteritis(GCA) and
potential malignancy(Multiple Myeloma, etc.)
• Diagnosis: Clinical + Increased ESR/CRP markers(most
commonly). Rule out others….
• Tx: Responds rapidly to low-dose corticosteroids

Question 2

What are the 5 Main components of aging?

Answer 2

• Decline in structure and function
• Impaired maintenance and repair systems
• Increased susceptibility to disease and death
• Reduced reproductive capacity
• Vulnerability to therapeutic interventions! (look at BEERs criteria)

Question 3

What are the 6 Potential Causes of Aging?

Answer 3

• Oxidative stress
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Impaired autophagy
• Impaired genome maintenance
• Telomere shortening
• Altered gene expression