Neuropsychology of Ageing Flashcards
What are scientific reasons for studying ageing?
- To present a more complete view of development
- To show the life span perspective
What is a societal reason to study ageing?
A strong increase in the number of old people world wide, and therefore an increase in disease associated with ageing.
What is the old age support ratio?
Working people (15-64) / old people
The number of people available in the main working ages to support each older person.
What is the dependency ratio?
Not working age / working age
Ratio between the people in the most dependent ages and the population in the working ages.
What are major causes of disability and health problems in old age?
Heart disease, Cancer, Diabetes, ‘Four giants of geriatrics’
What are the ‘Four giants of geriatrics’?
Immobility, Instability, Incontinence, Intellectual impairment
There are four patterns to cognitive ageing. Briefly explain each pattern.
- Succesful ageing: maintain cognitive function or very modest decline compared to adulthood
- Normal ageing: overall modest decline of most cognitive abilities, but not all abilities
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): decline greater than normal ageing (above 1 standard deviation from the mean)
- Dementia: marked decline in cognitive functioning, interferring with daily functioning
What is the prevalence of succesful ageing?
10%
Describe the characteristics of succesful agers.
- No more than 1SD from the mean of young adults
- Lower mortality rates, they live longer
- No medical conditions or illnesses
What is the prevalence of normal ageing?
70%
How do we define normal ageing?
Changes in cognitive functioning that are still considered healthy.
What is the satisfaction paradox, and how can it be explained?
In old age, subjective experience of health and ability is more positive than the objective measure. This can be explained by a few theories:
-Age-cohort effects
-Socio-emotional selectivity theory
-Decline goal achievement gap
- Selective Optimization with Compensation
