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The Aging Process
- Michael C. Geokas, MD, PhD;
- Edward G. Lakatta, MD;
- Takashi Makinodan, MD; and
- Paola S. Timiras, MD, PhD
Abstract
The intricate cause of the aging process in humans and animals, at present a matter of intense speculation, has given rise to many theories. Despite its uncertain cause, aging constitutes the most significant and universal problem confronting physicians today. Age-related physiologic deterioration and age-associated diseases are of immense concern to physicians because of the "old-age boom" anticipated in the first part of the twenty-first century. Biomedical research achievements in the twentieth century have permitted more persons to approach the fixed upper limit of the human lifespan. We discuss the functional decline of the aging heart and the underlying mechanisms of that decline; quantitative and qualitative changes in the immune system; and normal aging of the human brain contrasted to the brain changes seen in Alzheimer disease. With our growing geriatric population, we greatly need to increase our understanding of both the causes of human aging and the goals of gerontology and geriatrics and to expand research into the significant problem of Alzheimer disease.
Article and Author Information
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An edited summary of an Interdepartmental Dean's Conference arranged by the Department of Medicine of the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, California, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Martinez Medical Center, Martinez, California, and held on 29 June 1989. Michael C. Geokas, MD, PhD, is permanent chair and organizer of these conferences.
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Authors who wish to cite a section of the conference and specifically indicate its author may use this example for the form of reference:
Lakatta EG. The aging heart, pp 456-459. In: Geokas MC, moderator. The aging process. Ann Intern Med. 1990;113:455-466
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Grant Support: In part by a grant-in-aid from Fisons Corporation, Rochester, New York; the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Research Funds; the Kirby Foundation; and the State of California, Department of Health Services, Alzheimer's Disease Program.
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Requests for Reprints: Michael C. Geokas, MD, PhD, Department of Veterans Affairs Martinez Medical Center (612/111), 150 Muir Road, Martinez, California 94553.
- © 1990 American College of Physicians
