Age-related disability and limitations in physical function are growing public priorities. Physical function limitation is a threat to the independence and quality of life of older adults, and has substantial social and economic effect. Consequently awareness of common and potentially treatable condition that affect physical function is needed. Recent findings have shown that anaemia leads to disability, poorer physical performance and lower muscle strength. The prevalence of anaemia, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a haemoglobin concentration below 12 g/dl in women and below 13 g/dl in men, increase with age. A majority of the anaemia in the elderly is assumed due to underlying diseases such as cancer and infectious disease or due to malnutrition or iron deficiency, however in at least 20% of cases it is not possible to attribute anaemia to these factors. It has been suggested that the aging process itself might be an intrinsic factor in the development of anaemia, possibly through the age-related dysregulation of certain proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). Although the mechanism underlying the association between increased IEL-6 and anaemia has not been fully elucidated, it has been suggested that, like with other cytokines, it involves direct inhibition of erythropoietin production or interaction with the erythropoietin receptor.

Anaemia and functional decline in the elderly [ANEMIA E DECLINO FUNZIONALE NELL’ANZIANO]

DOMINGUEZ L.J.;
2004-01-01

Abstract

Age-related disability and limitations in physical function are growing public priorities. Physical function limitation is a threat to the independence and quality of life of older adults, and has substantial social and economic effect. Consequently awareness of common and potentially treatable condition that affect physical function is needed. Recent findings have shown that anaemia leads to disability, poorer physical performance and lower muscle strength. The prevalence of anaemia, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a haemoglobin concentration below 12 g/dl in women and below 13 g/dl in men, increase with age. A majority of the anaemia in the elderly is assumed due to underlying diseases such as cancer and infectious disease or due to malnutrition or iron deficiency, however in at least 20% of cases it is not possible to attribute anaemia to these factors. It has been suggested that the aging process itself might be an intrinsic factor in the development of anaemia, possibly through the age-related dysregulation of certain proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6). Although the mechanism underlying the association between increased IEL-6 and anaemia has not been fully elucidated, it has been suggested that, like with other cytokines, it involves direct inhibition of erythropoietin production or interaction with the erythropoietin receptor.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11387/150007
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