Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Aging

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients

Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients

Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...

Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting movement, with additional non-motor features. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, and cellular dysfunction, including dopaminergic neuron loss, protein aggregation, and mitochondrial impairment.Selective NeurodegenerationA key feature is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduced...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Retrospective Review of Antecustodial Deaths Referred for Medicolegal Autopsy at the Medical University of South Carolina.

The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology·2023

Same author

Letter from the Incoming NAME President.

Academic forensic pathology·2019

Same author

Letter from the Name President.

Academic forensic pathology·2019

Same author

Letter From the NAME President.

Academic forensic pathology·2019

Same author

Letter From the NAME President.

Academic forensic pathology·2019

Same author

Birth Injury: Birth Asphyxia and Birth Trauma.

Academic forensic pathology·2019

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Assessing Lysosomal Alkalinization in the Intestine of Live Caenorhabditis elegans

Assessing Lysosomal Alkalinization in the Intestine of Live Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: April 13, 2018

Elder neglect and the pathophysiology of aging.

Kim A Collins¹, S Erin Presnell

¹Department of Pathology, Forensic Section, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. collinsk@musc.edu

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

|May 26, 2007

Summary

Fatal elder neglect is challenging to diagnose, often underreported, and can mimic natural aging. This study analyzed 8 forensic cases, finding deaths due to sepsis from decubitus ulcers and dehydration.

More Related Videos

Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans

Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: November 26, 2017

Modeling Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans

Modeling Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: August 15, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Assessing Lysosomal Alkalinization in the Intestine of Live Caenorhabditis elegans

Assessing Lysosomal Alkalinization in the Intestine of Live Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: April 13, 2018

Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans

Methods to Study Changes in Inherent Protein Aggregation with Age in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: November 26, 2017

Modeling Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans

Modeling Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: August 15, 2020

Area of Science:

Forensic Pathology
Gerontology
Public Health

Background:

Elder neglect is a critical form of elder maltreatment, yet it is underreported and difficult to diagnose.
Distinguishing fatal neglect from age-related conditions or concurrent organic diseases presents significant challenges in forensic investigations.
Existing scientific literature and law enforcement data show underreporting of elder neglect cases.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze characteristics of fatal elder neglect cases through a retrospective review of forensic autopsies.
To identify common causes of death, locations, and perpetrator relationships in cases of fatal elder neglect.
To review the pathophysiology of aging in the context of elder maltreatment.

Main Methods:

Retrospective review of forensic autopsy cases for individuals aged 65 years and older.
Analysis of identified fatal neglect cases based on demographics, cause of death, incident location, and perpetrator details.
Examination of autopsy and ancillary findings in relation to elder neglect.

Main Results:

Eight cases of fatal elder neglect were identified and analyzed.
The primary causes of death were sepsis resulting from severe decubitus ulcers and severe dehydration.
Cases involved victims aged 74-94, with 7 females and 1 male; 5 occurred in homes, 3 in institutions; family members were perpetrators in 5 instances.

Conclusions:

Fatal elder neglect, particularly when complicated by aging-related conditions, requires careful forensic evaluation.
Sepsis from decubitus ulcers and dehydration are significant causes of death in elder neglect.
Understanding the dynamics of neglect, including perpetrator relationships and locations, is crucial for prevention and intervention efforts.