Table 1.
Normal physiological alterations in the elderly
| 1. Diminished immunological response expressed by decreased phagocytosis |
| – Lack of antigen presenting cells (dendritic, naïve T-cells) |
| – Decreased memory capacity of mature T-cells |
| – Decreased cytokine production |
| – Decreased number of B-cells and immunoglobulin production |
| 2. Decreased hepatic function due to decreased liver mass and blood flow, declining phase I metabolism, and decreased bile secretion |
| 3. Decreased renal function (glomerular filtration rate declines on average 1% per year) |
| 4. Hyposalivation |
| 5. Candida colonization of dental prostheses |
| 6. Candida colonization of the urinary tract, especially after broad spectrum antibiotic use |