PSY 230- CH 4 & 15 Aging and Wellness

What happens after 70?

a gradual change in the entire body and mind.

The aging brain

Significant decline in cognitive ability as we age. Begin in the middle ages, even more so in elderly

The central nervous system

Gradually slows

Loss of neurons

As we age, its about 5-30% greatest in sensory and motor activity.

Neurogenesis and exercise

The process of creating new neurons across the life span. Based on activity (exercise). More neurons are produced with higher activity, than those unactive.

How does learning affect neurons?

Increases neurons. Causes higher blood volume in the brain (hippocampus) which is responsible for learning and memory.

Explain what generally happens as the brain ages.

• Diminished functioning of many remaining neurons

• changes in the tissue surrounding the neuron

• thinning of the myelin sheath and hardening of tissue around the neuron

• decrease in brain volume after 50

• decline in NT’s

• reduced blood flow in the brain

• greater integration of left and right hemisphere

• increased activity in the prefrontal cortex

• neurocognitive reserve (brain and cognitive reserve)

myelin sheath

a fatty, protective coating around nerve fibers that acts like insulation on an electrical wire, allowing nerve impulses (electrical signals) to travel faster and more efficiently between neurons

prefrontal cortex

the brain's command center for executive functions, orchestrating complex behaviors like planning, decision-making, problem-solving, working memory, and impulse control

Brain reserve

“hardware” – actual physical structure of the brain. People with more neurons before aging process functions at a higher level than those who didn’t

cognitive reserve

“software”-Mental skills built up over a lifetime through education, occupation, etc. These things help preserve our cognitive abilities as we age.

What happens to our skin, bones, joints, and muscle as we age?

• skin pigmentation changes, loss of elasticity, skin tags, etc.

• loss of tissue in bones (density)

• osteoporosis - reduced blood flow

• Muscles are weaker, less flexible

• Joint-osteoarthritis

What happens to cardiovascular health as we age?

• high blood pressure causes fluid to build around the heart

• By 70, the average heart pumps 900 million gallons of blood

• Thickening of the left ventricle (pumps blood to the body)

• Heart rate slows

• heart loses 30% of cells by 70 - causing an enlarged heart

• arteries age

What happens to respiratory system as we age?

• Lungs become stiff making it difficult to expand

• 55% reduction in breathing capacity from 25-85

the 2 reproductive changes

menopause, and andropause

Menopause

• ending of menstrual cycle.

• Levels of estrogen and other hormones decline.

• No more ovulation, no longer able to become pregnant.

• Process takes place gradually over 5-10 years when periods are less frequent or regular.

• Symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse.

andropause

• slowly decreasing levels or testosterone

• low libido, fatigue, lack of energy, erectile dysfunction, memory issues, loss of pubic hair.

• By age 80, men have between 20% and 50% of the testosterone they had at age 20.

David Snowdon’s Nun study

Studied 678 nuns from 75-106 years. They went through annual mental and physical testing. Found that:

• Level of education affected longevity and health. Those with a college degree lived longer. Risk of death was lower for educated individuals

• Also found that those who stayed active mentally and physically lived longer.

• Older healthy people used stronger vocabulary, those who didn’t later developed Alzhiemer’s

• Nuns who were generally positive lived longer.

Neuro-cognitive disorders diagnosed in late adulthood.

Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia

Alzheimer’s disease

• Neurons begin to die, or lose connections, increasingly impairing mental functioning, and personality.

• Causes memory problems, increased confusion, difficulty functioning, and loss of basic bodily functions.

• They tend to become highly anxious, agitated, and uncontrollable at times.

• Usually comes from a genetic basis.

• Prevention is staying healthy. Being obese, diabetic has a higher chance. Exercising the body and mind is best.

• Not curable.

Vascular dementia

• Caused by a series of minor strokes that cut off blood supply to the brain.

• Progresses by each stroke, each further deteriorate blood flow.

• Influenced by lifestyle habits like high blood pressure from stress.

 

misdiagnosis

Critical considerations before a diagnosis of dementia occurs.

Lewy body dementia

• fluctuations in cognitive functioning, visual hallucinations, motor and balance problems.

• Caused by protein deposits in neurons called Lewy bodies

Reversible dementia

• cases of significant cognitive decline that can be treated and cured.

• caused by alcoholism, toxic reactions to medications, metabolic disorders, infections, vitamin deficiencies, and malnutrition.

• If these issues are corrected, mental functioning can be restored.

delirium

• treatable neurocognitive disorder.

• is a disturbance of consciousness by periods of disorientation, confusion, and hallucinations.

• Caused by stressors like illness, surgery, interactions of drugs, and malnutrition

depression and cognitive impairments

Depression includes cognitive impairments like being forgetful and mentally slow. and those who are depressed are usually misdiagnosed for dementia. Treatment by antidepressants and psychotherapy.

lack of knowledge about dementia

People who do not understand dementia may mistake typical cognitive aging for dementia. It’s important to learn to distinguish each kind, as some may be reversible and can be treated.

irreversible dementias

Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia

the importance of mental and physical exercise in the aging process

• Mentally staying sharp using mind games, puzzles to keep the brain moving.

• Exercise is shown in the nun study to prolong lifespan, and maintain cognitive performance.