Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Aging changes in the kidneys

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Changes in kidney with age
Changes in kidney with age

Information    Return to top

BACKGROUND

The kidneys filter the blood and help remove waste and extra fluid from the body. The kidneys also play an important role in controlling the body's chemical balance. As with other organs, kidney function may be slightly reduced with aging.

The kidneys are part of the urinary system, which also includes the ureters and the bladder.

Bladder control can be affected by muscle changes and changes in the reproductive system.

AGING CHANGES

As the kidneys age, a number of events occur:

Changes in the bladder:

In women, weakened muscles can allow the bladder or vagina to fall out of position (prolapse), which can block the urethra. In men, the urethra may become blocked by an enlarged prostate gland.

EFFECTS OF CHANGES

Under usual conditions, kidney function remains normal in an aging person. Although sometimes they kidneys may function more slowly than those of a younger person.

However, illness, medications, and other conditions can affect a kidney's ability to function properly. Changes in the kidneys may affect an elderly person's ability to concentrate urine and hold onto water. Dehydration occurs more readily because older people frequently have less of a sense of thirst.

Dehydration can also be aggravated if an older person reduces fluid intake in an attempt to reduce bladder control problems.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Aging increases the risk for urinary disorders, such as:

UTIs are common, and partly due to incomplete emptying. It is also related to changes in the chemical balance in the urinary tract.

Urinary system cancers are more common in the elderly, especially prostate cancer (men) and bladder cancer.

In both men and women, urinary changes are closely related to changes in the reproductive system. For example, men may experience problems because of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy). Women may have vaginal infections (vaginitis) and bladder infections.

The aging kidney is more susceptible to adverse drug events. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and heart medications called ACE inhibitors can cause acute kidney failure failure in some cases. It is important that routine lab tests are done when these medications are used.

See also:

Update Date: 10/27/2008

Updated by: Michael Langan, M.D. Department of Geriatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.