Description
Many changes occur in the immune system with age. Some of these can be related to the involution of the thymus gland and alteration in the distribution and function of Tlymphocytes. These changes may uncouple B-cell control which aggravates the immune deficit and increases the production of autoantibodies and monoclonal immunoglobulins. Thus, rather than just a gradual decline in activity of the immune system, immune senescence is a true dysfunction with cellular changes resulting in an increase in autoimmune activity and a decrease in immune response by both cell mediated and humoral branches of the system. Co-factors such as associated disease and malnutrition, common in this age group, further contribute to the compromised host status.
