Key Question Flashcards
What is the Key Question of Cognitive Psychology?
How can psychologists understanding of memory help patients with dementia?
What AO1 knowledge is required for the introduction of the Cognitive key question?
AO1
What is dementia?
A general term that describes the progressive decline in the cognitive functioning of an individual which impacts their ability to carry out basic everyday activities.
There are different variations of dementia:
Alzheimer’s- progressive form of dementia
Vascular- caused by reduced blood flow to the brain
How many people are diagnosed each year?
10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed each year worldwide.
Of those 209,600 are diagnosed within the Uk.
How can dementia be recognised?
Difficulty communicating, understanding and decision making
Poor judgement and thinking speed
Mood changes
What AO1 knowledge is required for the first paragraph of the Cognitive Key question?
AO1
A type of dementia is Alzheimer’s- this is a progressive form of dementia.
Someone with Alzheimer’s finds it difficult to learn new information and form new memories.
What AO2 application is required for the first paragraph of the Cognitive Key question?
AO2
HM-similar case to Alzheimer’s
HM - hippocampus removed in an attempt to reduce seizures due to his epilepsy
However, his long term memory was impaired and he could no longer learn any new information even when rehearsing.
Therefore, this may suggest for Alzheimer’s that the hippocampus is effected and impaired by the disease first - preventing the rehearsal and transfer of information into the long-term memory.
Why is this an issue and how can this be improved?
Cannot form new information- there is an inability to remember to perform daily tasks- eating, drinking, taking medication.
In order to help individuals with dementia, shows that remaining calm and patient with the individual, leaving written notes or arranging care for them can be made.
What AO1 knowledge is required for the second paragraph of the Cognitive Key question?
AO1
Short term memory can lead to individuals with dementia forgetting what they need to do, what they have just done or what they have just said meaning they may have to repeat themselves multiple times.
What AO2 application is required for the second paragraph of the Cognitive Key question?
AO2
Specific tasks or conversations that have just occurred may be forgotten because the individual with dementia cannot process or store the information.
Therefore, if this information isn’t being processed properly, psychologists may conclude that this may be due to an impairment of the Central Executive where the information is not consequently being processed by the correct slave system.
Why is this an issue and how can it be improved?
This prevents the effective communication between individuals so it reduced the understanding of why the necessary daily activities need to be performed.
Therefore, this can be improved by conversing with the individual using simple instructions, in which they are able to interpret.
What AO1 knowledge is required for the final paragraph of the Cognitive Key question?
AO1
Individuals with dementia are more likely to recall personal long term memories, usually from childhood.
The more recent long term memories and semantic memories is lost.
What AO2 application is required for the final paragraph of the Cognitive Key question?
AO2
This is due to the brain and how it eventually deteriorates- with different types of memory being retained, whilst others are forgotten.
Tulving suggested that episodic, semantic and procedural memories are processed and stored separately.
Therefore in dementia patients, the semantic memory will be forgotten first before the episodic and procedural.
Why is this an issue and how can it be improved?
This is an issue because they may start to feel frustrated and isolated as they lose their sense of identity.
In order to overcome this and improve their quality of life, talking to them about their childhood memories using photographs, music or visiting known places can help them to feel valued and cared for.
Additionally, getting them to practice known skills can assist feelings of pride and accomplishment.
