Ch. 14: Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Issues of Later Life Flashcards
Average Longevity
Age at which half of the people born in a particular year will have died
Maximum Longevity (Life Expectancy)
Oldest age to which a person lives
Active Life Expectancy
Number of years that a person is free from debilitating chronic disease and impairment
Dependent Life Expectancy
Number of years a person lives with a debilitating chronic disease in which the person depends on others for care
3 Biological Theories of Aging
Metabolic: related to how much energy one can expend
Cellular: cells have a fixed number of times they can divide before dying or free radicals producing highly reactive chemicals causes issues
Genetic Programming Theories: Genetic code-based aging
Telomeres
Tips of chromosomes play a major role in aging by adjusting the cell’s response to stress and growth stimulation based on cell divisions and DNA damage, and by typically shortening with each cell replication
Telomerase
Enzyme needed in DNA replication to fully reproduce the telomeres when cells divide
Free Radicals
Highly reactive chemicals produced randomly in normal metabolism
Neurofibrillary Tangles
Spiral-shaped masses formed when fibers that compose the axon become twisted together (axon transmits information inside neuron). Some tangling is normal but large degree is associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia
Beta-amyloid
A protein that is the basis for neuritic plaques and is thought to be the basis for dementia
Neurotransmitters
chemicals released by neurons in order for them to communicate with each other
Structural Neuroimaging
techniques such as CT or MRI scans that provides highly detailed images of anatomical features in the brain
Functional Neuroimaging
technique that provides an indication of brain activity but not high anatomical detail
Atherosclerosis
Disease caused by calcification and blockages in the arteries
Strokes or Cerebral Vascular Accidents (CVAs)
Interruption of the blood flow in the brain dues to blockage or hemorrhage in a cerebral artery
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
Interruption of blood flow to the brain; often earing warning sign of stroke
Vascular Dementia
Disease caused by numerous small cerebral vascular accidents
Presbyopia
Difficulty seeing close objects clearly
Glaucoma
disease in which fluid in the eye does not drain properly, causing very high internal pressure that can damage the eye and cause loss of vision
Age-related macular degeneration
Progressive and irreversible destruction of receptors from any of a number of causes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye disease resulting from diabetes and can involve fluid retention in the macula, detachment of the retina, hemorrhage, and aneurysms
Presbycusis
Reduced sensitivity to high-pitched tones
Diabetes Mellitus
Disease that occurs when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin
Speed of Processing
how quickly and efficiently the early in information processing are completed (ex: slamming on the breaks to avoid an accident)
Divided Attention
the ability of people to perform more than one task simultaneously
Implicit Memory
unconscious remembering of information learned at some earlier time
Explicit Memory
Deliberate and conscious remembering of information that is learned and remembered at a specific time
Episodic Memory
General class of memory having to do with the conscious recollection of information from a specific time or event
Semantic Memory
General class of memory concerning the remember if meanings of words or concepts not tied to a specific time or event. Changes in this are less likely with normal aging and can indicate more serious problem
Autobiographical Memory
memory for events that occur during one’s life
Dysphoria
Feeling sad or down
Alzheimer’s Disease
Marked by gradual declines in memory, attention, and judgment; confusion as to time and place; difficulties in communicating; decline in self-care skills; inappropriate behavior; and personality changes
Beta-Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis
theory of Alzheimer’s disease in which beta-amyloid deposits create neuritic plaques, that in turn lead to neurofibrilary tangles, that cause neuronal death and Alzheimer’s disease
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Form of dementia created by repeated head trauma such as concussions (more common in military vets and athletes)
