

 Neurotransmitters are reduced  Reaction time, talking, thinking, walking slows  Varies markedly by individuals

o Hypothalamus (memory) & Prefrontal cortex (processing, planning, coordinating thoughts) Shrink faster than other areas o Varies based on Education Good health Mental exercise

 Using both hemispheres of the brain becomes more likely

 Working memory o Temporary storage of information for conscious use o Reduced o Takes longer to perceive & process sensations o Inhibits multitasking o If older people can take their time and concentrate, working memory seems as good as ever  Long-term memory o Emotional memories – endure E.g. “I was so happy!”

 Memory, retrieval strategies, selective attention & problem solving (logical analysis) o Become less effective o Priming of memories helps  Recognition o At every age, recognition memory is better than recall Multiple choice vs. essay  Priming o Presenting memory triggers (word, smell, song, etc.)

 Normal decline in verbal meaning, spatial orientation, inductive reasoning, numerical ability & word fluency  Influenced by Health o Better predictor of cognition than age  Influenced by training in cognitive skills o Training can improve any cognitive decline

 Organic brain damage or disease o Abnormal and pathological loss of brain functioning o Chronic, long lasting

 Causes deterioration of memory and personality  Absentmindedness about recent events is the first stage  Most common cause of dementia o Caused by plaques and tangles of proteins in the brain  Many genes may be involved  Stages: From confusion to death o Beginning Forgetful, personality changes Memory loss – eventually becomes dangerous Forgetting about a lighted stove (3 rd. Stage of Alzheimer) o Final stage Full-time care needed Identity and personality are lost

 Caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain  Repeated infarcts (Obstructions of blood vessels in the brain)  Causes strokes

 Frontal lobe dementia o Personality changes o Deterioration of frontal lobes & amygdala o Pick disease is the most common form People are disinhibited, impulsive, emotionally indifferent  Parkinson disease o Does not always lead to dementia  Lewy body dementia o Caused by deposits of protein (Lewy bodies) in the neuron o Motor movements and cognition effected o Main symptom is loss of inhibition

 Regular exercise  Avoid pathogens causing dementia o Mad cow disease o AIDS o Syphilis Syphilitic insanity

 Depression = Most common reversible cause of dementia related symptoms  Lack of nutrients (Malnourished) o As bodies age they become less efficient at digesting food and using its nutrients  Poly-pharmacy o Drug side effects, interactions, and overmedication all can cause dementia symptoms  Alcohol use

 Erikson o Integrity vs. despair Older people gain interest in the arts, children  Maslow o Self-actualization Creative, philosophical & spiritual understanding  Life review o Examination of your life o Putting your life into perspective o Sharing your life with recorded, written and verbal stories