Quick Answers...
Is kidney function affected by age?
Yes. The amount of blood flow through the kidney and ability
of the kidney to filter blood is about half that of younger
ages. This is caused by the age-related structural and
anatomic changes within the kidney. Some studies show that
as much as one-third of older adults have no change in their
urine creatinine (creatinine clearance is a measure of how
well the kidney is able to filter the blood, the glomerular
filtration rate or GFR). However other studies show decline
that begins at 40 years. Age-related kidney changes create
more risks for fluid and electrolyte imbalance and renal
damage from medications or diagnostic contrast materials.
Disease, surgery, or fever may stress and interfere with the
kidney's ability to regulate and excrete fluids and
electrolytes particularly in older adults.
Linda Breytspraak, Center on Aging Studies, University of Missouri-Kansas City
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Last update: Sunday, July 06, 2008