Ageing (senescence)

Inability to respond to stress

Imbalance of haemostasis
Increased risk to diseases
Death
Ageing not a disease
Secrets of ageing in genes

Cellular changes
Cell membrane instability
Significantly lowered levels of choline and
ethanolamine in Alzheimers dementia
(necessary for synthesis phospholipids
required for membrane stability)

Cognitive changes
Vary with age
Many types of memories decline with age
But semantic memory largely preserved

Depression
Forms of stress and depression may cause memory
loss. Prolonged durations of depression may lead to high
levels of cortisol from adrenal glands - shrinkage of
hippocampus and lead to dementia

Imortalization of cells
When telomerase gene is added
Addition of polyphenol antioxidants
Ageing as a phase in life
Culturally more respected

Nutrients
When blood is thick with cholesterol and
triglycerides blood-rich in nutrients is
diminished because of thickness of blood
(viscous)
Deficiencies of proteins B vitamins (B6
and 12)
25% of people above 65 yrs suffer from
B12 deficiency may lead to dementia

Oestrogen levels
Women with low oestrogen levels are known
to suffer from AD at a higher rate than those
with normal levels. Substitutes may be
necessary to avoid this.

Over medication and drugs

People above 65 yrs are on a number of
drugs. Drug-interactions and poor nutrition
can lead to dementia
Metal toxicity
People with high levels of Aluminium,
Mercury in the brains - from deodorants,
antiacids, antiperspirants and cookware
suffer from brain damage.
Lead toxicity (water pipes)

Vascular changes
Artherosclerotic changes lead to limited blood
supply and death of brain tissue. Tumors,
chronic brain disorders like encephalitis,
hypothyroidism and syphillis and other causes

Physical exercises
People with regular physical exercises
show lower vulnerability to suffering from
mental decay
Not only is weight checked but also sexual
activity and insulin resistance are
regulated better

The elderly >65 yrs

Proportion of elderly people in industrialized
countries is more than that in developing world
Between 1990-2000 proportion of the elderly
people in developed countries increased X 3
compared to developing countries 17.7 -19.4%
Ageing carries important cognitive, social,
economic, and psychological consequences