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Loss of 'complexity' and aging. Potential applications of fractals and chaos theory to senescenceThe concept of "complexity," derived from the field of nonlinear dynamics, can be adapted to measure the output of physiologic processes that generate highly variable fluctuations resembling "chaos." We review data suggesting that physiologic aging is associated with a generalized loss of such complexity in the dynamics of healthy organ system function and hypothesize that such loss of complexity leads to an impaired ability to adapt to physiologic stress. This hypothesis is supported by observations showing an age-related loss of complex variability in multiple physiologic processes including cardiovascular control, pulsatile hormone release, and electroencephalographic potentials. If further research supports this hypothesis, measures of complexity based on chaos theory and the related geometric concept of fractals may provide new ways to monitor senescence and test the efficacy of specific interventions to modify the age-related decline in adaptive capacity.
Document ID
20050000737
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Lipsitz, L. A.
(Beth Israel Hospital Boston, MA)
Goldberger, A. L.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
Volume: 267
Issue: 13
ISSN: 0098-7484
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: RO1-HL-42172
CONTRACT_GRANT: AGO439O
CONTRACT_GRANT: AGO8812
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Non-NASA Center
NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary

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