Frailty COPY Flashcards

1
Q

Define ageing

A

The accumulation of cellular damage over time that leads to a generalised decline in function and increased probability of death

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2
Q

How does increasing age affect an individual’s nutritional status?

A

Ageing GI system

More medical conditions (e.g. reflux, hiatus hernias) and medications (side effects of dry mouth, constipation etc which may reduce appetite)

Cognitive/mental health changes (dementia, depression, social isolation)

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3
Q

Name some immune system changes that occur with increased ageing

A
  • B cells reduce production of specific antibodies and produce more low-affinity antibodies
  • Autoimmune antibody production increases
  • T-cell numbers reduce- less reactivity to antigens and poorer immunological memory
  • Chronic diseases and frailty also contribute
  • Diminished or absent febrile responses
  • Antibiotic choice may be more difficult (C.diff, side effects)
  • Tests may be more difficult to interpret (e.g. chest x-rays and kyphosis)
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4
Q

Name some nervous system changes that occur with ageing

A
  • Normal minor cognitive changes (e.g new memory formation, new problem solving, mild slowing of psychomotor speed)
  • Pathological changes (e.g. vascular damage) = more vulnerable brain
  • Dysequilibrium (normal reduction in proprioception) = higher risk of falls
  • Pain (reduction in sensitivity to noxious stimuli with normal ageing), poorly localised pain
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5
Q

Name some sensory impairments that may occur in older age

A

Visual: normal visual degeneration plus eye diseases (e.g. glaucoma) more common in older people

Hearing loss: neuronal degeneration leading to bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment, plus loss of vestibular function

Neuropathy: normal reduction in proprioception with ageing plus pathological causes common in older people

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6
Q

What renal system changes may occur in ageing?

A

Decreased renal reserve and concentrating ability = less ability to compensate for fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

Elderly people often have reduced fluid intake and increased fluid loss

= increased risk of dehydration and AKI

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7
Q

Define frailty

A

A condition or syndrome which results from the multi system reduction in reserve capacity to the extent that a number of physiological systems are close to, or past the threshold of symptomatic clinical failure.

As a consequence the frail person is at increased risk of disability or death from minor external stresses.

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