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Understanding Cognitive Decline in Late Adulthood

Learn about the factors affecting cognitive tasks in older age, including dementia causes such as strokes and Alzheimer's Disease. Discover ways to reduce the risk through a healthy lifestyle and education. Explore the impact of genetics and autopsy findings on cognitive health.

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Understanding Cognitive Decline in Late Adulthood

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  1. Chapter 24 Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood Michael Hoerger

  2. Brain Slowdown • Cognitive tasks are slower with age • Breakdown of myelin • Reduced production of neurotransmitters • Slower blood flow • Not usually due to neuron death • Healthy diet and education may be protective factors

  3. Dementia • Definition: cognitive decline, for judgment, memory, and problem solving • Over 70 causes; we’ll focus on two 1) Strokes can cause “vascular dementia” or “multiple infarct dementia” • Infarcts (blocked blood vessels) prevent oxygen from reaching the brain • Ministrokes are silent and common • Lack of exercise, poor diet, and smoking increase risk

  4. 2) Alzheimer’s Disease: most common dementia, characterized by plaques and tangles • Autopsy findings • Strokes = more decline • Odds increase with age, 20% over 85 • Genetics factors can increase or decrease risk • Risk reducers: healthy diet (fruits and vegetables), intellectual stimulation, physical exercise, no smoking

  5. Michael Hoerger To cite this textbook: • Berger, K. (2005). The developing person through the lifespan. New York: Worth. To cite this lecture: • Hoerger, M. (2007, April 18). Developmental Psychology: Late Adulthood Cognitive Development. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.

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