Immune function in the elderly

Abstract

Normal aging is accompanied by diverse alterations in immune function, which can be associated with illness. Assessment of the immune status in an elderly patient should be based on a thorough history and physical examination rather than laboratory testing. Antibody responses to vaccines are often blunted in the elderly, thus limiting the effectiveness of immunization in this age-group. The authors address these issues and others that are being investigated, such as enhancing immunity by the supplementation of nutrients and hormones and the use of immunoadjuvants.