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Spinal Cord Injury in the Elderly and Aging of Spinal Cord Injuries

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A Practical Guide to Care of Spinal Cord Injuries

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Abstract

This chapter addresses the issue of increasing age of traumatic spinal cord injury patients and the impact of aging on their health and life expectancy. The chapter begins by discussing the lack of significant improvement in life expectancy for spinal cord injury patients despite advances in medical care since the 1980s. This is particularly concerning as the general population is aging, and the life expectancy gap between spinal cord injury patients and the general population is widening. The chapter examines the reasons for the increasing incidence of spinal cord injuries in the elderly, including falls and age-related degenerative changes in the spine. It also discusses the various factors that contribute to the aging process in patients with spinal cord injuries, such as changes in body composition, decreased bone mineral density and increased cardiovascular risk factors. The chapter highlights the unique concerns regarding the aging of spinal cord injury patients who sustain their injuries in childhood or young adulthood, such as premature aging and a higher risk of secondary health conditions. Overall, this chapter provides valuable insights into the complex and challenging issues surrounding spinal cord injuries in the elderly and highlights the need for specialized care and attention to address these concerns.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Parkside Rehabilitation Hospital, Busan, Korea (Republic of)

    Hyun-Yoon Ko

  2. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea (Republic of)

    Hyun-Yoon Ko

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  1. Hyun-Yoon Ko
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Ko, HY. (2023). Spinal Cord Injury in the Elderly and Aging of Spinal Cord Injuries. In: A Practical Guide to Care of Spinal Cord Injuries. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-4542-9_38

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-4542-9_38

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-99-4541-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-99-4542-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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