Cognitive Changes in Older Adults

Question 1

Structural brain changes with aging that impact cognitive function

Answer 1

Ventricles dilate, brain atrophy, variable size, neuronal loss, synaptic changes, changes in composition of brain and nerve cells, neuroendocrine changes

Question 2

What is white matter responsible for?

Answer 2

Storing memories

Question 3

How does white matter change with aging?

Answer 3

Degeneration seen on MRI

Question 4

What are sensoriomotor changes of older adults?

Answer 4

• arcus senilis (grey ring around iris)
• presbyopia (far-sightedness)
• increased r/f glaucoma
• cataracts
• diminished vision
• sensorineural hearing loss (50% >75yo)

Question 5

What are common memory changes/impairments with aging?

Answer 5

Modest impairment in normal aging

-forgetting names, misplacing things, poor recall of events and conversations in short-term

Question 6

What is crystalized intelligence?

Answer 6

Acquired knowledge

Question 7

What is fluid intelligency?

Answer 7

Ability to acquire new knowledge

Becomes more difficult with age

Question 8

What are sleep changes associated with aging?

Answer 8

• Increased total daily sleep
• Decreased time spent in stage 3 (non-REM, deep sleep) and stage 4 (REM) sleep
• More time spent alternating between REM and light sleep

Question 9

What are motor changes associated with aging?

Answer 9

• Stooped, flexed posture
• Slowed gait
• Decrease in fine motor skills
• Decreased proprioception
• Decreased balance

Question 10

What are personality changes associated with aging?

Answer 10

Behavior responses may become exaggerated, but typically stable