Chapter 16: Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood Flashcards
young-old
65-74
middle-old
75-84
oldest-old
85 and older
level of functioning
a measure that evaluates how well adults can manage in their daily life
activities of daily living (ADLs)
basic living skills that include independently using the bathroom, getting dressed, bathing and feeding oneself, and moving short distances
instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
a measure of functioning that includes tasks requiring planning and social skills, such as arranging for transportation, shopping, cooking, organizing finances, keeping your home clean, communicating by phone, and managing medical care and medications
life expectancy
a measurement of how long you can expect to live
vestibular system
located inside the inner ear, this network transmits information to the brain about where you are in space
sarcopenia
significant lack of muscle mass that limits adults’ ability to perform everyday activities
frailty
occurs when an adult experiences muscle weakness, exhaustion, an inability to be active
osteoporosis
when bones become so porous and fragile that they are vulnerable to breaks
arthritis
pain in the joints
glia
support cells of the brain
tau protein
an essential building block of neurons that helps move nutrients and energy from one part of the neuron to another. Misshapen tau protein can contribute to cognitive decline
neurofibrillary tangles
misshapen tau proteins that bunch together, and can damage the brain and contribute to neurocognitive disorders
amyloid beta
a protein by-product implicated in brain aging that builds up as a result of inflammation and glial dysfunction
wisdom
the ability to creatively reason about complex situations on the basis of deep insights about people
cognitive reserve
the ability to maintain your thinking abilities despite getting older
mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
when an adult has more cognitive challenges than would be expected for a person of their age but is still able to function in their everyday life
Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
a degenerative neurocognitive disorder caused by the buildup of tau and amyloid proteins that is linked to difficulties with thinking and the ability to function
telling the difference between a neurocognitive disorder and typical aging
- forgetting that makes it difficult to function
- difficulty following directions
- difficulty with judgements
- increased isolation
vascular cognitive disorder
occurs when injuries to the cardiovascular system disrupt the brain and cognitive functioning
