Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics, Third Edition

ANNOTATION

Extensively revised and updated to reflect the current state of knowledge in the study of aging, the third edition of the bestselling Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics provides an even more complete profile of the aging of individuals and populations. It includes aspects of demographic, comparative, and differential aging together with a discussion of the several theories of aging. It shows how body functions change with aging, describes how both genetic and environmental factors influence aging-related changes, and addresses some of the clinical consequences of these changes for health and longevity.Divided into three main sections, the book first provides a broad and solid background in basic processes of biogerontology. Then it presents a survey of the aging of body systems, focusing on maintenance of optimal function and ability to adapt to environmental demands. Finally, it provides a synopsis of pharmacologic, nutritional, and physical exercise guidelines for preserving physical and mental health into old age.This book collects up-to-date information from internationally renowned experts in various biologic fields using physiology as the unifying concept. Illustrated with numerous tables and graphs, Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics, Third Edition focuses on the established facts of physiological aging to provide an essential reference book for a wide spectrum of readers with different levels of biological and educational backgrounds.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Extensively revised and updated to reflect the current state of knowledge in the study of aging, the third edition of the bestselling Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics provides an even more complete profile of the aging of individuals and populations. It includes aspects of demographic, comparative, and differential aging together with a discussion of the several theories of aging. It shows how body functions change with aging, describes how both genetic and environmental factors influence age-related changes, and addresses some of the clinical consequences of these changes for health and longevity. Divided into three main sections, the book first provides a broad and solid background in basic processes of biogerontology. Then it presents a survey of the aging of body systems, focusing on maintenance of optimal function and ability to adapt to environmental demands. Finally, it provides a synopsis of pharmacologic, nutritional, and physical exercise guidelines for preserving physical and mental health into senescence. This book presents up-to-date information from internationally renowned experts in various biologic fields using physiology as the unifying concept. Illustrated with numerous tables and graphs, Physiological Basis of Aging and Geriatrics, Third Edition focuses on the established facts of physiological aging to provide an essential reference book for a wide spectrum of readers with different levels of biological and educational backgrounds.

SYNOPSIS

Summarizes current knowledge on the physiologic, genetic, and molecular mechanisms that may contribute to the aging of humans. Most of the 24 chapters describe the normal aging changes that occur in a particular body system or organ. The third edition reflects recent therapeutic developments and recent advances in genetics and molecular biology. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

H. Bruce Bosmann

The book describes the physiology of aging and physiological events accompanying aging. It is an important book that describes molecular and cellular aging, systemic and organismic aging, prevention and rehabilitation, and general theories of gerontology and aging. The purpose is to describe events and mechanisms of aging particularly from a physiologic and descriptive perspective. This is a large undertaking, and this second edition covers a wide array of topics on the physiology of geriatrics and gerontology. The book is written for a broad spectrum of individuals with varying biological backgrounds. It would be most useful for postbaccalaureate physiologists, geriatricians, or gerontologists. It is written at a graduate student, resident, faculty level and contains a host of graphs and figures giving considerable original data. The book would also be suitable for a researcher who wanted an introductory or starting point for physiologic research in aging. It contains excellent illustrations, figures, and data. One difficulty, however, is that although references to very current data are given, this results in more of an updating than an integration; many references from 1988-1994 are not included. Unique to the book are a large number of very helpful summary diagrams chock full of data. This book is the benchmark text in the field. The second edition is disappointing only in the fact that it is more of an updating than an integration of new data, advances, and ideas since 1988. Also, there is a notable lack of molecular biology and molecular genetics in some areas. However, these shortcomings are minor, and the book deserves to be on appropriate shelves as the definitive text in thisarea.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: H. Bruce Bosmann, PhD (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine)Description: The book describes the physiology of aging and physiological events accompanying aging. It is an important book that describes molecular and cellular aging, systemic and organismic aging, prevention and rehabilitation, and general theories of gerontology and aging.Purpose: The purpose is to describe events and mechanisms of aging particularly from a physiologic and descriptive perspective. This is a large undertaking, and this second edition covers a wide array of topics on the physiology of geriatrics and gerontology.Audience: The book is written for a broad spectrum of individuals with varying biological backgrounds. It would be most useful for postbaccalaureate physiologists, geriatricians, or gerontologists. It is written at a graduate student, resident, faculty level and contains a host of graphs and figures giving considerable original data. The book would also be suitable for a researcher who wanted an introductory or starting point for physiologic research in aging.Features: It contains excellent illustrations, figures, and data. One difficulty, however, is that although references to very current data are given, this results in more of an updating than an integration; many references from 1988-1994 are not included. Unique to the book are a large number of very helpful summary diagrams chock full of data.Assessment: This book is the benchmark text in the field. The second edition is disappointing only in the fact that it is more of an updating than an integration of new data, advances, and ideassince 1988. Also, there is a notable lack of molecular biology and molecular genetics in some areas. However, these shortcomings are minor, and the book deserves to be on appropriate shelves as the definitive text in this area.

RATING

4 Stars! from Doody

ACCREDITATION

Timiras, Paola S., MD, PhD (UC Berkeley)