Development Through the Lifespan: Ageing

Question 1

Describe the types of ageing.

Answer 1

• Primary (natural decline).

- Secondary (results from lifestyle and environmental factors).

Question 2

What types of changes happen after puberty?

Answer 2

1 - Cognitive changes.

2 - Social Changes.

3 - Physical changes.

4 - Sexual changes (fertility).

Question 3

Which hormones cause menopause?

How do they change at menopause?

Answer 3

A decline in oestrogen and endorphins.

Question 4

List 2 primary symptoms and 4 secondary symptoms of menopause.

Answer 4

• Primary: hot flushes and night sweats.

- Secondary: Vaginal dryness, depression, somatic symptoms, fatigue.

Question 5

What is a possible treatment for menopause?

How might menopause be managed?

Answer 5

• Hormone replacement therapy (used less today).

- Lifestyle implicated in occurrence as well as management (diet, exercise, body fat etc.).

Question 6

On the cellular level, what 4 factors cause ageing?

Answer 6

1 - Hayflick limit.

2 - Cross linking.

3 - Free radicals.

4 - DNA.

Question 7

What is the Hayflick limit?

Answer 7

The limit to the number of times cells can divide (divisions decrease with age).

Question 8

What is cross linking?

Answer 8

Where proteins in cells interact to produce different molecules that make the body stiffer. This increases with age.

Question 9

How do free radicals cause ageing?

Answer 9

Free radicals interact with molecules to cause cellular damage and organ failure.

Question 10

What is the DNA damage theory of ageing?

Answer 10

The DNA damage theory of ageing proposes that aging is a consequence of unrepaired accumulation of naturally occurring DNA damages.

Question 11

List 4 ways in which the brain changes with age.

Answer 11

1 - Dendrite degeneration.

2 - Neurofibrillary tangles.

3 - Formation of neuritic plaques.

4 - Decline of senses (although not just the brain).

Question 12

How does the cardiovascular system change with age?

Answer 12

• Accumulation of fat deposits.

- Stiffening of walls of arteries due to tissue changes.

Question 13

How does the respiratory system change with age?

Answer 13

Stiffening of the ribcage and passageways.

Question 14

How does appearance and movement change with age?

Answer 14

• Decline of skin and muscle tissue.

- Decline of bone mass.

Question 15

How does immune function change with age?

Answer 15

• Reduced production of B and T cells in bone marrow and thymus.
• Diminished function of mature lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid tissues.

Question 16

List 6 psychological and cognitive changes that occur with age.

Answer 16

1 - Information processing (e.g. language and memory).

2 - Attention.

3 - Psychomotor speed (e.g. reaction time).

4 - Mental and psycho-social health concerns.

5 - Organic mental disorders (due to medical or physical illness).

6 - Changing relationships.

Question 17

What is dementia?

In which group of people is it most common?

Answer 17

• A group of diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

- Highest prevalence in the elderly.

Question 18

Which microscopic changes are characteristic of dementia?

Answer 18

1 - Neurofibrillary tangles (aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau protein).

2 - Neuritic plaques (deposits of amyloid beta protein).

Question 19

List 6 characteristics of dementia.

Answer 19

1 - Communication difficulties.

2 - Spatial and temporal disorientation.

3 - Aberrant behaviours.

4 - Incontinence.

5 - Memory loss.

6 - Personality changes.