Week 4: Biological Aging - What is Normal? Flashcards
decreased normal activity in the occipital lobe is a normal age-related change
FALSE
“normal” aging consists of…
gradual loss of cognitive and functional capacity
“successful” aging is…
the ability to maintain adequate mobility, strength, physical functioning, and general health
changes in appearance with age
- skin
- loss of hair (androgenetic alopecia)
- changes in body build
- changes in posture
age-related changes in skin
- thinning epidermis
- loss of subcutaneous fat
- fewer active hair follicles
- reduced sweat gland activity
age-related changes in body build
- decreased fat-free mass (muscle, tissue)
- increased BMI
- weight fluctuates in a U-trend throughout life
changes in mobility with age
- impaired balance
- decreased strength
- fear of falling
- sarcopenia
- decreased bone mass (remodelling)
- degeneration of joints (overuse)
changes in vital bodily functions with age
- cardiovascular system
- respiratory system
- urinary system
- digestive system
- brain changes
age-related changes in cardiovascular system
- increased plaque
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- vascular stiffening and weakening of arteries
- decreased aerobic capacity (VO2)
changes in bodily control systems with age
- endocrine system
- weakened immune system
- difficulties sleeping
- decreased regulation of body temperature
- vestibular dysfunction (balance, dizziness)
- losses/deficiencies in all 5 senses
activities of daily living (ADL)
basic personal-care activities
ex. bathing, dressing, eating, toileting
instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)
more complex activities
ex. visiting neighbours, shopping, cooking, washing clothes, exercising, taking public transportation
mechanisms/factors that contribute to functional decline
highlighted:
- mitochondrial dysfunction
- inflammation
- hormonal changes
- self-regulatory and emotional-regulatory strategies
lectured:
- depression
- air pollution
- extreme temperature fluctuations
- mobility barrier within living environments
TB: how do changes in physical functioning interact with psychological and sociocultural factors to influence an older adults’ identity? (example)
if part of your identity was being an athlete and now have mobility issues and can no longer do that sport, will lose part of identity
TB: what psychosocial changes tend to occur as people reach advanced age?
- friends/family passing away
- retirement
- grandchildren
- empty nest syndrome
- transition to living in a different environment
- experiencing ageism
most consistent brain changes in advanced age
- atrophy
- white matter changes
- cerebrovascular changes (blood flow)
- increased number of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
describe brain atrophy
- cortical (white matter) and subcortical (grey matter) volume loss
- mostly prefrontal & temporal cortex and hippocampus
describe white matter changes
- loss of myelin slows communication
- increased lesions
- mostly prefrontal cortex and hippocampus
describe cerebrovascular changes
- vessels narrowing
- stiffening and thickening of vessel walls
- reduced capacity to grow new capillaries
- reduced blood supply
- increased lesions
- decreased vascular reactivity
- loss of microvasculature
plasticity model (definition, promotion, decline)
neurons that remain alive with age take over the function of those who die
- promoted by mental engagement, exercise, diet
- declines with disuse, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, environmental toxins
what is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease in the brain?
increased amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
fluid intelligence ____
example?
crystallized intelligence ____
example?
worsens
ex. holding onto info and using it later
remains stable
ex. riding a bike
young adults = bilateral activity within the brain
older adults = lateral activity within the brain
FALSE
young = lateral (less resources) older = bilateral (more resources)
3 theories of brain compensation in older adults
- HAROLD
- PASA
- STAC-r
HAROLD
- pattern of reduced asymmetry
- used to counteract neurocognitive deficits in older adults
PASA
- posterior anterior shift
- reduction in occipital activity and increased frontal activity in older adults
STAC-r
- brain changes counteracted by construction of alternative neural circuits (scaffolds)
- similar to plasticity model
- life experiences serve as enrichments or depletions
