ABSTRACT
This chapter summarises the physiological consequences of ageing and describes the physiological changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of an elderly subject. The amount of neurotransmitters in the brain is depleted with age. A decrease in dopamine in the substantia nigra can occur with Parkinsonian symptoms, whereas a decrease in the acetylcholine concentration in the hypothalamus can lead to senile dementia. The short-term memory is impaired with ageing, but the long-term memory may be preserved. Conceptual skills and reasoning capabilities decline early, but verbal skills are usually well preserved. The changes in the cardiovascular system in the elderly are due to the ageing process, prolonged deconditioning and age-related disease. Diastolic blood pressure may increase because of increased peripheral resistance. However, studies have shown there is a decrease in diastolic blood pressure in people over 75–80 years of age because of the rapid run-off of blood in the stiff large arteries.
