The Biology of Ageing

One of the problems geriatricians are confronted with in everyday clinical practice is differentiating disease from the process of old age. The challenges of ageing require a better understanding of the essential biology of ageing in order to separate ageing from disease, and indeed ageing made worse by disease. Although the topic is large and diverse, this practical and easy-to-read reference book contains vital information on the biology of ageing. It provides a concise understanding of the changes that occur and focuses on the clinical implications of ageing. MCQs are featured throughout for revision and examination practice. The Biology of Ageing provides the reader with: . a learning guide on the biology of ageing through an overview of the changes that occur at both cellular and system levels . knowledge of how biological changes of ageing impact on physiology and the clinical relevance in medical practice . a practical consideration of these changes in disease presentations and how these changes may impact on disease management. This full-colour guide featuring slides, MRIs, figures and photographs is ideal for doctors training in geriatric medicine, practising geriatricians and those with an interest in management of older people.

AZA ABDULLA Geriatrician and Consultant Physician Department of Elderly Care Princess Royal University Hospital South London Healthcare NHS Trust Orpington, Kent and GURCHARAN S RAI Consultant Physician in Geriatric Medicine Care of Older People Whittington Hospital, London

Foreword. Preface. About the editors. List of contributors. Section 1: General. Epidemiology of ageing. The concept of ageing: theories and mechanisms. The ageing cell. Section 2: The ageing systems and clinical implications. The immune system. The haematopoietic system. The cardiovascular system. The respiratory system. The gastrointestinal system. The liver. The kidneys. The urogenital system. The skin. The musculoskeletal system: bone. The musculoskeletal system: muscle. The brain. Balance and ageing. The endocrine system. Section 3: Frailty and quality of life. Frailty and ageing. Quality of life and ageing. Index.