Question

The Baltimore Longitudinal Studies of Aging have shown that a number of old age disorders are the result of disease-----

Answer 1

Aging is associated with an increased risk of a variety of diseases due to a decline in bodily functions and homeostatic imbalance. Diseases like heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's are more prevalent in late adulthood. Aging also affects the immune system's efficacy and DNA repair mechanisms, contributing to the complexity of health issues in the elderly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Baltimore Longitudinal Studies of Aging have suggested that a number of disorders in old age are the result of diseases that manifest as the body's systems become less efficient over time. During late adulthood, physical decline is evident through less muscle mass, slower reflexes, and a weakening immune system, making it difficult to combat diseases such as the flu. The risk for diseases like heart disease, cancer, and arthritis also increases. Particularly, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are associated with proteins that malfunction, resulting in brain changes and cognitive impairment. Aging also contributes to homeostatic imbalance, making it harder for the body to maintain constant internal conditions, thus increasing disease susceptibility. Moreover, an inefficient DNA repair mechanism might allow mistakes in DNA to be passed down to new cells, potentially leading to age-related diseases.

In the context of aging and diseases, it is important to understand that age-related disorders such as heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory syndromes are not necessarily age-dependent effects but are more common in the elderly. The aging process also results in slower wound healing and a greater chance of infection due to a decline in the immune system's ability to fend off pathogens. Therefore, the accumulation of such health conditions contributes to the complex health challenges faced by older adults.

Answer 2

Old age disorders in late adulthood are often the result of disease vulnerability. Physical decline, compromised immune system, homeostatic imbalance, and protein abnormalities contribute to the development of diseases like flu, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Baltimore Longitudinal Studies of Aging have shown that several old age disorders are the result of disease vulnerability in late adulthood. In this stage, individuals may experience a decline in physical abilities, such as decreased muscle mass and slower reflexes, as well as a compromised immune system. This makes them more susceptible to diseases like the flu, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.

Furthermore, the aging process can lead to a reduction in the efficiency of the body's homeostasis, making the elderly more prone to disease. For example, elderly individuals may have difficulty regulating body temperature, which increases the risk of heat stroke. They may also struggle with fighting off infections and cancer due to a weaker immune system.

Additionally, some old age disorders are caused by specific protein abnormalities, such as the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease and the increase of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease.