Chapter 19 - Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood

What is the cognitive changes in late adulthood?

1. increase in processing speed

2. pre-frontal cortex neural circuitry

What compensates for memory decline?

Selective attention

What is the reminiscence bump?

Remember things that cause the 1st time.

When is the period when people have the clearest memory for?

Emotional events from adolescence to early adulthood

Does cognitive work increase or decrease?

Increase

Why is “doing” important? Like read/discuss, music, puzzles/games, volunteer, social engagement?

Use it or lose it

What is TotT phenomenon

Tip of the tongue

Since 2000, what age group in workforce increases?

65+y.o.

Why does 65+y.o. age group increase in workforce?

Income, purpose, less physically demanding jobs, and ease into retirement

When does social security (a retirement supplement)?

1935

What do older workers tend to?

Angry and miss work a lot

What are the characteristics of depression in older people?

More common, but less likely to seek treatment

What are red flags for older people with depression?

Previous depression, pain/disability, low social engagement, support

Which group and ethnicity have the highest suicide rates?

White man age 75+

What is the most common type of demantia?

Alzheimer disease

What causes Alzheimer disease?

Decreases in acetylcholine (Aricept increases); increase plaques & tangles

What are percent of family and friends in caragivers?

83%

What is the relationship between religion/spirituality and longevity?

Positively correlated

What is terminal decline

An accelerated drop in cognitive and physical abilities 2-3 years before death