What are the criteria for true age change? (X4)
- must be universal in a species
- must be progressive
- must be irreversible
- must be deleterious (must have a negative effect)
Name 4 possible theories of causes of ageing
- organs Ageing
- accumulation of waste products
- biochemical damage
- DNA based
Name 3 diseases that are associated with age but are not true age changes
- stroke
- heart disease
- cancer
- atherosclerosis
- osteoporosis
What changes occur in the oral mucosa with age?
- thinning by up to 30% from 20-80 years old
- less complex structure
- sublingual varicosities
- sebaceous glands found in buccal mucosa may appear as white patches
Is there any change in taste acuity as one gets older?
No - not related to age, might be a result of disease
How can you differentiate between old and young oral mucosa histologically?
Thicker mucosa and more well developed rete pegs and ridge in young
Structural changes of major salivary glands with age (x5)
- Increase in adipose tissue
- Decrease in fibrous tissue
- Increased vascularity
- Duct dilation
- Oncocytic change
Structural changes of minor salivary glands with age
Serous glands - fatty replacement of secretory tissues
Mucous glands - fibrous replacement of secretory tissues
What results to major and minor glands with age?
Loss of secretory components
What is the difference between major and minor glands with age?
Major glands do not show any loss of flow output as a result of age alone but there is a functional fall off for minor glands
Name 2 surface changes that is associated with enamel with age
- Attrition - on incisal or occlusal surface
2. Approximal wear - arch shortens
Which ion does fluoride replace in enamel?
Hydroxyl
What does the ionic exchange of ions in enamel result in?
More perfect structure and enamel is more resistant to acid demineralisation
Name 6 changes that happen to the (pulp)o-dentinal complex with age
- Sclerosis in the pulp
- Decreased vascular
- Decreased in nerves - decreased sensitivity
- Decrease in pulp volumes
- Decrease in cells (odontoblasts, fibroblasts)
- Calcification
What are true pulp stones?
Tubular structure from odontoblast like cells
What are false pulp stones?
Calcified fibrous tissue
How does the cementum change with age?
It thickens by up to 3x (between 16-70 y/o)
Name a benefit and disadvantage of the change associated with cementum ageing
-: obstruct/constricts the apical foramen
+: helps compensate for wear
What vascular changes are associated with periodontium Aging? (X2)
- thickening of vessel walls
- narrowing of lumen
Name 4 things associated with periodontium ageing
- vascular changes
- loss of cellularity
- increased fibrosis
- PDL Fibre bundles are thicker
Changes associated with bone when one ages (x6)
- less dense
- more brittle
- bone mass falls (by 10% in males, 40% in females)
- less vascular
- some osteoporosis
- slower wound healing
Age changes that occur in nervous tissues (x4)
- decrease in nerve cell numbers (36-60% in cerebral cortex, 5-50% in spinal cord)
- decrease in peripheral nerve function (eg decrease in conduction velocity)
- impaired synaptic function
- decreased taste acuity
Age changes that occur in muscles (x4)
- 30% decrease in muscle mass
- decrease in number of motor units
- decrease in firing rates
- decrease in muscle strength
4 age related changes in masticatory muscles
- increased fat content
- decreased precision
- decreased bite forces
- 40% decrease in cross sectional area from 20-90y/o
