Immune function in the elderly

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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.