Renal function and renal disease in the elderly: Part I

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Geriatrics
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Global life expectancy has increased over the last century.
• The incidence of elderly patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal replacement therapy is rising.
• The demographic profile of ESRD patients is shifting towards an older population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the morphological and functional changes in the aging kidney.
• To explore pathological conditions contributing to renal function loss in the elderly.
• To highlight the impact of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, on kidney health in aging populations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on renal aging and ESRD in the elderly.
• Analysis of morphological and functional alterations in aging kidneys.
• Examination of the role of comorbidities like type 2 diabetes and vascular disease.

Main Results:

• Aging is associated with structural and functional deterioration of the kidney, including reduced blood flow.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a significant factor in the microvascular and macrovascular complications leading to morbidity and mortality in older patients.
• The aging kidney exhibits modifications due to organic and functional disturbances.

Conclusions:

• The increasing prevalence of elderly patients with ESRD is linked to age-related kidney changes and the rise of chronic diseases.
• Understanding these age-associated renal modifications is crucial for managing ESRD in the growing elderly population.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus poses a substantial risk for kidney disease progression in older adults.