The aging brain

Question 1

Explain how our aging brain can affect our memory

Answer 1

1. Encoding: We forget how to do something or where things are
2. Storage: We don’t consolidate the information.
3. Retrieval: We have trouble retrieving information (recall vs recognition)

Question 2

How does our aging brain affect our Thought?

Answer 2

Psychomotor speed:
1. Slowing of processing speed and reaction time.
2. Probably contributes to other cognitive deficits
Emotional processing:
1. Processing and regulating emotions
2. Positivity bias

Question 3

How does our aging brain affect our Intelligence?

Answer 3

Fluid Intelligence:

1. Rapid and flexible manipulation of ideas and symbols
2. Difficulty on unfamiliar or new tasks and problems
3. Too much information to sort through to come to a decision or solve a problem

Question 4

What are five ways we can look after your brain?

Answer 4

1. Exercise
2. Reduce stress
3. Eat healthy
4. Keep your brain active
5. Maintain social connections

Question 5

As our brain ages what are 4 things that are preserved?

Answer 5

1. Semantic memories (knowledge base)
2. Recognition
3. A life time of experience
4. Gist memory (remembering the broad story, but not the details)

Question 6

What are two types of cell changes within the brain?

Answer 6

1. Decreased synaptic connections

2. Deterioration in myelin

Question 7

What are the affects of Alzheimer’s on the brain?

Answer 7

1. Destroys neurons in the brain
2. Impairments in memory, reasoning, perception, language, behaviour.
3. Tangled neurons and protein deposits.