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Autonomic dysfunction in older people

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 October 2010

J Richard G Marigold ,
Monica Arias ,
Michael Vassallo ,
Stephen C. Allen  and
Joseph SK Kwan
J Richard G Marigold*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine for Older People, Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Monica Arias
Affiliation:
School of Health and Social Care, Bournemouth University, UK
Michael Vassallo
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine for Older People, Royal Bournemouth Hospital School of Health and Social Care, Bournemouth University, UK
Stephen C. Allen
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine for Older People, Royal Bournemouth Hospital School of Health and Social Care, Bournemouth University, UK
Joseph SK Kwan
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine for Older People, Royal Bournemouth Hospital
*
Address for correspondence: Dr J Richard G Marigold, Department of Medicine for Older People, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth BH7 7DW, UK. Email: rmarigold@hotmail.com
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Summary

The autonomic nervous system comprises the sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems and plays an integral role in homeostasis. This includes cardiovascular and temperature control, glucose metabolism, gastrointestinal and reproductive function and increasing evidence to support its involvement in the inflammatory response to infection and cancer. Ageing is associated with autonomic dysfunction, and many clinical syndromes associated with older adults are due to inadequate autonomic responses to physiological stressors. The aim of this review is to explore the relationship between autonomic dysfunction and ageing illustrated with examples of maladaptive autonomic responses in a variety of different clinical syndromes including an exploration of autonomic cellular changes. Appropriate investigation and management strategies are outlined, recognizing the fine balance needed to improve symptoms without creating further medical complications.

Keywords

autonomic nervous systemelderlydysfunctionfailuregeriatrics
Type
Clinical geriatrics
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 21 , Issue 1 , February 2011 , pp. 28 - 44
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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