Renal Function and Ageing

Overview

Renal function declines during ageing. The rate of this dechne however depends on whether the subject suffers from some disease which may influence renal function. This applies in particular to arterial hypertension, cardiac failure and diabetes mellitus type 2. The dechne of age-conditioned renal function is not associated with a rise of the kreatinine serum concentration. As a result of ageing renal water and electrolyte excretion may be impaired as well as the acidification activity. Old people have a reduced perception of thirst and the ability of the kidneys to maintain water and sodium balance may be impaired. Thus easily dehydration may develop which may be associated with alternation of the psychic state and which is erroneously interpreted as cerebral atherosclerosis. In older subjects fit is therefore necessary to pay special attention to their hydration and when deciding on the dosage of different drugs fit is important to take finto consideration a drop of glomerular filtration (which is usually not manifested by an increase of the kreatinine serum concentration.

Key words:
renal function - dechne - ageing - dehydration.