faqs.org » Abstracts Index » Abstracts » Seniors

Is experience as a prisoner of war a risk factor for accelerated age-related illness and disability?

Article Abstract:

Former prisoners of war (POWs) may have similar rates of chronic disease in old age as contemporaries who were not interred during World War II. Aging Australian POWs did not show major evidence of stress-induced disease and disability attributable to their 42-month prison camp experience. The 101 ex-POWs reported more symptoms, had more medical diagnoses, and took more medications than the 107 non-POWs. Prolonged imprisonment may have played a part in a problematic aging process rather than in a specific disease.

Risk factors, Chronic diseases, Ex-prisoners of war

---

Atrial natriuretic peptide and the development of congestive heart failure in the oldest: a seven-year prospective study

Article Abstract:

Congestive heart failure (CHF) in the very old seems to be associated with high atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels. Researchers found that 32% of 256 frail very old people with no prior history of CHF had developed CHF within seven years. The ANP values averaged 95 pmol/L in the CHF group versus 60 pmol/L in the group without CHF. ANP concentrations may be a useful pre-diagnostic marker for CHF.

Congestive heart failure, Heart failure, Natriuretic peptides

---

Age-related changes in the flash electroretinogram and oscillatory potentials in individuals age 75 and older

Article Abstract:

Research indicates that advancing age has a detrimental effect on oscillatory potentials and flash electroretinogram performances, which test the retina's inner plexiform layer. Data were obtained from subjects between 20 and 32 years of age and between 75 and 88 years of age.

Canada, Statistical Data Included, Medical examination, Retina, Eye diseases

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.