Aging Associated Diseases

What is an Aging Associated Disease?

An aging associated disease is a disease that is seen with increasing frequency with increasing senescence. Age associated diseases are to be distinguished from the aging process itself because all adult humans age, but not all adult humans experience all age-associated diseases.

Examples of aging-associated diseases are cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, dementia, cataract, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension and Alzheimer's disease. The incidence of all of these diseases increases rapidly with aging (increases exponentially with age, in the case of cancer).

Aging (senescence) increases vulnerability to age-associated diseases, whereas genetics determines vulnerability or resistance between species and individuals within species.

Some consequences of aging are age-related changes in vision, hearing, muscular strength, bone strength, immunity, and nerve function. Glaucoma and cataracts are ocular problems associated with aging that can be treated to restore failing vision in older people. Hearing loss is often noticeable by age 50, and the range of sounds heard decreases. Muscle mass and nervous system efficiency decrease, causing slower reflex times and less physical strength, and the immune system weakens, making older people more susceptible to infections.

The constant and rapid increase of life expectancy in western countries is associated with a major aging of our populations. In these conditions, we can expect an epidemic progression of most chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, the main causes of death in the world.

Increasing life expectancy is concomitant with increased risk of aging-associated diseases, e.g. obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases pose enormous challenges both for individuals and societies in terms of life quality and economic burden, thereby necessitating an urgent need for aging societies to address these health concerns.

By 2030, the proportion of the U.S. population aged 65 and older will double to about 71 million older adults, or one in every five Americans. The far-reaching implications of the increasing number of older Americans and their growing diversity will include unprecedented demands on public health, aging services, and the nation’s health care system.

Much of the illness, disability, and death associated with chronic disease is avoidable through known prevention measures. Key measures include practicing a healthy lifestyle (e.g., regular physical activity, healthy eating, and avoiding tobacco use) and the use of early detection practices (e.g., screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, diabetes and its complications, and depression).

Studies have profound implications for aging research and could revolutionize approaches for prevention and treatment of aging-associated diseases. To be able to effectively treat diseases, there must first be a thorough understanding of the mechanisms underlying them.

Further Information Regarding Aging Associated Diseases

What Makes Muscles Age Clue Discovered
Study shows that the ability of old human muscle to be maintained and repaired by muscle stem cells can be restored to youthful vigor given the right mix of biochemical signals. This provides promising new targets for forestalling the debilitating muscle atrophy that accompanies aging, and perhaps other tissue degenerative disorders as well.

Muscle - Hard to Build Easy to Lose
Have you ever noticed that people have thinner arms and legs as they get older? As we age it becomes harder to keep our muscles healthy. They get smaller, which decreases strength and increases the likelihood of falls and fractures. New research is showing how this happens - and what to do about it.

Cognitive Decline and Socioeconomic Status in Elderly
New UCLA research suggests that for seniors age 70 and older, socioeconomic status does not play a major role in the brain's continued ability to function. However, seniors who have never been married and widowers seem to perform more poorly as they age.

Dementia and Alzheimers Disease - The Difference
Many people mistakenly use the terms dementia and Alzheimer's disease interchangeably, though the terms do not have the same meaning. Alzheimer's disease is in fact the most common form of dementia, while dementia describes a collection of symptoms which may be but are not necessarily caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Hearing and Voice Problems Worsen Seniors Communication Skills
Hearing and vocal problems go hand-in-hand among the elderly more frequently than previously thought, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center. Together, they pack a devastating double punch on communication skills and overall well-being.

Respite Care for Alzheimer's Disease or Related Dementia Patients
Respite care facilities provide overnight, weekend, and longer stays for someone with Alzheimer's or a related dementia so a caregiver can have longer periods of time off. These facilities provide meals, help with activities of daily living, therapeutic activities to fit the needs of residents, and a safe, supervised environment.

Incontinence Types and Information
Urge incontinence, and incontinence in general, has a certain stigma attached to it which has meant that it is not something regularly discussed in 'polite' society. However it's important that if you suffer from any form of incontinence you are far from alone. Incontinence comes in many different forms and understanding the differences between them is a critical step in moving towards recovery. This article touches briefly on the different types of incontinence.

Breakdown of Barriers in Cells Clue to Aging Process
Because most of the cells in our body are not actively dividing, the answer would have implications for aging and age-related diseases. "Many of the neurons in the cortex area of the brain are as old as we are; they are non-dividing for a very long time.

Anti Aging Natural Nutrition Tips
Your body constantly makes new cells every day. It uses building blocks called nutrients to create these cells. If your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs, it simply will not build new and healthy cells. In fact, it will make sub-quality cells instead, resulting in dull, thin skin, lack of energy and even a lowered immunity allowing degenerative disease to overcome.