4th Edition

Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics

Edited By Paola S. Timiras Copyright 2007
    424 Pages 200 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Extensively revised and updated to reflect the current state of knowledge in the study of aging, this Fourth Edition offers a complete profile of the aging process at all levels, from molecules and cells to demography and evolution. Written by international experts in current basic and clinical aging research, this text includes aspects of individual, comparative, and differential aging, and discussions of theories and mechanisms of aging. This invaluable reference illustrates how bodily systems, organs, and functions are affected with aging, describes how genetic and environmental factors influence age-related changes, and addresses some of the clinical consequences of these changes for health and longevity. Well illustrated, with numerous tables and graphs, this book presents up-to-date information from internationally renowned experts in various bio-medical fields.

    New updated information includes:

    • emphasis on emerging technologies and recent advances in biology and bioengineering that allow greater and longer independence of the elderly
    • recent therapeutic developments in key diseases such as Alzheimer's, osteopenia, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, diabetes, gastritis, sexual impotence, and using transgenic animals as models of aging
    • evaluation of the latest knowledge on the roles of oxidants and antioxidants, and correlates them with other aging-based theories
    • expanded discussion of nutrition and physical exercise
    • chapters on gene and stem cell interventions related to the aging process
    • updated tables to reflect current trends, new research data, and up-to-date statistical information

    Part I General Perspectives. Old Age as a Stage of Life: Common Terms Related to Aging and Methods Used to Study Aging. Human Longevity in Historical Perspective. Comparative Aging, Geriatric Functional Assessment, Aging, and Disease. Cellular Senescence, Cell Death, and Transgenic Mouse Models of Aging. Theories of Life Span and Aging Part II Systemic and Organismic Aging.. The Nervous System: Structural, Biochemical, Metabolic, and Circulatory Changes. The Nervous System: Functional Changes with Aging. Sensory Systems: Normal Aging, Disorders, and Treatments of Vision and Hearing in Humans. The Adrenals and Pituitary, Stress, Adaptation, and Longevity. Female Reproductive Aging and Menopause. The Ensemble Male Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis. The Thyroid, Parathyroid, and Pineal Glands. The Endocrine Pancreas, Obesity, and Diffuse Endocrine and Chemical Mediators. The Immune System. Cardiovascular Alterations with Aging: Atherosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease. Lipids, Lipoproteins, and Atherosclerosis., The Pulmonary Respiratory System: Hematopoiesis and Erythrocytes, The Kidney, the Lower Urinary Tract, Body Fluids, and the Prostate. The Gastrointestinal Tract and the Liver. The Skeleton, Joints, and Skeletal and Cardiac Muscles. The Skin. Part III Prevention and Rehabilitation. Pharmacology and Drug Management in the Elderly. Healthful Aging: Nutrition and Experimental Strategies in Dietary Restriction. Benefits of Physical Exercise. Regenerative Perspectives and Assistive Technologies.

    Biography

    Paola S. Timiras

    Praise from previous editions…

    "…This book is the benchmark text in the field….The book deserves to be on appropriate shelves as the definitive text in this area." —Doody's Review Services

    "…an excellent book…current and useful to a broad spectrum of individuals with different levels of biological and educational backgrounds…an excellent ready source of current information on aging and geriatrics for those working in these fields." —Denham Harman, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA)

    "…This book is the benchmark text in the field….The book deserves to be on appropriate shelves as the definitive text in this area." —Doody's Review Services

    "…an excellent book…current and useful to a broad spectrum of individuals with different levels of biological and educational backgrounds…an excellent ready source of current information on aging and geriatrics for those working in these fields." —Denham Harman, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA)

    Praise for the Fourth Edition...

    "The authors are recognized experts in the field….The wide range of topics provides an overarching view of the biological and medical aspects of aging, longevity, and diseases in older persons. The chapters are carefully edited. Beautiful diagrams and illustrations complement the text. The references are well chosen and annotated….The careful writing and supporting materials make this revised edition a welcome addition to the field, especially for students contemplating the nature of aging, its physiology, and common diseases in older persons." —David O. Staats, MD (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center), Doody’s Reviews