Chronic inflammation in older people: recognition, consequences, and potential intervention
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Chronic inflammation is increasingly common in elderly individuals, contributing to age-related diseases and higher morbidity. Managing this inflammation in older adults requires careful medical attention and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Chronic inflammatory diseases and age-related disorders are more frequent in the elderly.
- Inflammatory processes may drive the progression of common age-related conditions.
- Aging is associated with increased acute phase protein levels, indicating inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the link between chronic inflammation and age-related diseases in the elderly.
- To underscore the impact of inflammation on morbidity in older populations.
- To emphasize the challenges in treating chronic inflammation in geriatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current evidence on inflammation in aging.
- Analysis of the relationship between inflammatory processes and age-related disorders.
- Discussion of clinical implications for elderly patients.
Main Results:
- Chronic inflammation is a significant factor in the increased incidence of diseases in the elderly.
- Inflammatory processes contribute to the perpetuation of age-related disorders.
- Abnormal acute phase protein levels are frequently observed in aging individuals due to inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Chronic inflammation significantly contributes to morbidity and disease prevalence in the elderly.
- Effective treatment of chronic inflammation in older adults is complex and demands specialized medical care.
- Close physician follow-up is crucial for managing inflammation-related conditions in the elderly.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:19The 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...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:26Aging
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...
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...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...