CARE FOR OLDER PERSON 2
Somatic DNA Damage
Somatic DNA damage is a theory which argues that aging is caused by a naturally occurring
unrepaired accumulation of DNA damages. Damage, in this case, is defined as an alteration of
the DNA structure to form an abnormal structure (Larsson, 2010). The somatic DNA damage is
supported by an aging theory that argues that an important part of aging is caused by gene
mutation. The body cells undergo mutation and some cells are destroyed while others remain.
Over a long period, the mutated cells copy themselves and cause aging-related problems.
From the provided case scenario, my mother who is 94 years old has hypertension, glaucoma,
type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and is moderately obese. Old age is one of the main risk factors of
age-related diseases. These age-related diseases may include hypertension, CVD, osteoarthritis,
type 2 diabetes, glaucoma, and lung disease among others. Somatic DNA damage that is
associated with aging makes an individual more vulnerable to age-related diseases (Larsson,
2010). Additionally, it is stated that my father, who is 95 years old also has hypertension,
osteoarthritis, and has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He has a hearing
impairment while my mother is visually impaired. Impaired visions and hearing are some of the
problems associated with aging. Somatic DNA damage is characterized by unrepaired cell
mutations that replicate themselves in multiple numbers. These cells have abnormal growths and
structures which may cause tumors if not destroyed by the body (Mateo et al., 2015). The tumors
eventually lead to cancer like in the case of my father in the provided case scenario.
My mother argues that at her age she does not necessarily need to follow her diet. She believes
that it is only old age that will take her. With somatic DNA damage, a lot of cells are damaged
with old age. The elderly, therefore, become more vulnerable to diabetes. They should, therefore,
plan their meals to help in managing blood sugar. The elderly should therefore plan and eat right.

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Care for Older Person Assignment 2022

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