1. 11-3 Part Two: Health, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease

2. Health As the body grows older, the body’s disease-fighting immune system weakens, making the elderly MORE vulnerable to life- threatening problems. Ex- Cancer, Pneumonia However, because the elderly have fought more small sickness throughout their life-time, their collection of antibodies, they are LESS vulnerable to short-term ailments, (common flu, cold viruses, etc). Memory begins to deteriorate with age, more slowly in women than men. Exercising is GOOD for the brain! Exercise stimulates brain cell development and connections.

3. Dementia A mental erosion In Latin “de” means without and the root of “ment” is “mens” meaning mind Dementia- without mind Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Degenerative- irreversible, cannot change Common in the elderly A common type of dementia- ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

4. Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimers Disease- a progressive and irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and physical functioning. After 5-20 yrs, the person becomes emotionally flat, and eventually mentally vacant. The cause: Loss of Brain cells and deterioration of neurons that produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Physically active people are at less risk, as well as people who have an active, challenged mind— commonly the mind of an educated, active reader.