...TITLE: THE EFFECT OF AGE ON SHORT TERM MEMORY ABSTRACT: Age associated declines in cognitive processes are important to the understanding of the human mind. This study investigates the relationship between ageing and short term memory in particular, by first exploring current cognitive and neuroscientific research involving concepts such as short term/working memory, long term memory and ageing, and secondly, by means of a short term memory experiment involving verbal and numerical stimuli, that was administered to two age groups- 20 to 40 year old adults and 50 to 70 year olds. The results of the experiment were then analysed using the ANOVA statistical software programme. The results did not conclusively show age related decline in short term memory performance in all segments of the test. Memory decline with increased age was apparent in the free recall word stimuli, and in the analyses of the number of incorrectly remembered words. The serial recall digit sequence did not show any statistically significant effects. The final section of this study addresses the possible explanations for the results, as well as the limitations of the study. Contents 1.Introduction 5 2.What is memory? 5 2.1 short term memory 5 2.2 working memory 7 2.3 the relationship between ageing and memory 8 2.4 long term memory...
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...Running Head: BRAIN HEALTH IN ASSISTED LIVING Running Head: BRAIN HEALTH IN ASSISTED LIVING Brain Health Knowledge in Assisted Living: Establishing Baseline Information for Interventions to Promote Adaptation and Successful Aging 410 - 01 Research Article Review Final Tammie R. Bryant I. Title At a word count of 17 words, the title is rather long for an average title length. Moreover, it skipped on important information that will let the readers know the jurisdictional or geographical limit of the study by not mentioning “North Carolina” in the main title. However, it does encapsulate the main variable (“brain health knowledge”) and the principal aim “establish baseline information” and rationale (“interventions to promote adaptation and successful aging”) of the study. Although, the part of the rationale (“promote adaptation and successful aging”) provides a clear declaration of the content of the study, it increased the word count by five words (two of which contain 10 letter's each). Alternatively, it could have opted to use a shorter three-word phrase “quality of life” (with no word containing more than six letters), which can adequately represent the content (and mentioned in the first sentence of the abstract) without sacrificing length and, simultaneously, allowing space for the state name in the main title. II. Abstract The American National Standard for writing abstracts requires the presence of four essential elements in the content: purpose, methodology...
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...Bodies and Minds Change” Aging is a process that concerns us all. The increasing armamentarium provided by molecular biology and other techniques has allowed greater understanding of some of the processes involved. Numerous definitions of aging exist; an acceptable and commonly used definition is that aging is the total of all changes an organism undergoes from its conception to its death, including development, maturation and adulthood. There are many theories about how our bodies and minds change as we age, but no matter how much research or theories have been formed, one thing remains true is that our bodies and minds does, and will, change with age and one thing can be agree upon is that the end results in all these studies is that the body and minds does go through many changes during our life time. Since the life span varies between and within species and human longevity is partially hereditary, it is clear that genetic factors, the biology of the brain, and our culture effect the function of the brain and influence the aging process ( Johnson 1993, Schacter et al. 1993, Vijg et al. 1995). Twin studies show that genetic differences account for about a quarter of the variance in adult human lifespan. While a great deal of research has focused on diseases of aging, there are only a few informative studies on the molecular biology of the aging brain. Many molecular changes are due in part to a reduction in the size of the brain, as well as loss of brain plasticity, Recent...
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...“The Wisdom Paradox” (Goldberg, 2005) is a fascinating book about the biology of cognitive wisdom, including its unique costs and benefits. This book provides a thorough explanation of how people in later stages of life successfully undertake major cognitive tasks, as well as how this aptitude can be maximized. With vigorous and life-long mental activity in novel tasks learning new information, an aging person can gain wisdom and minimize clinical brain injury. Wisdom has intellectual, practical, moral, and spiritual facets. It can be defined as extensive pattern recognition of new information or situations as accurately being in some way similar to familiar information or situations, thus leading to successful problem-solving and reasoning abilities. There are many types of wisdom, including genetic, phylum wisdom, species or cultural wisdom, group wisdom, and individual wisdom. The wisdom of the phylum, which is contained in the amygdala, includes genetically-programmed, innate fears and survival mechanisms that have existed in all species for millions of years through evolution. This type of wisdom uses sensory and motor regions of the cortex, as well as subcortical regions of the brain. Cultural wisdom is expressed as language and other symbolic systems passed down through the generations for thousands of years. Language is made up of a self-organizing, complex neural network widely spread throughout various regions of the cortex that are not pre-wired. Group wisdom includes...
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...Alzheimer's Disease and its Link to the Normal Human Developmental Process of Aging Angel M. Perez Liberty University Abstract The cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently unknown. However, extensive studies using new technology has led to new ways of accurately identifying AD, an understanding of the mechanisms involved regarding the development of AD, and the damage it causes in the human brain. The general population is under the impression that AD is a result of the normal human developmental process of aging. The focus of this research is to dismiss this misconception by providing indisputable empirical evidence to the contrary. This paper looks at the various studies explored by researchers in an attempt to show the factors attributed to AD, a population over the age of 65 that do not suffer from AD, and a population of as young as 18 clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The author also addresses life style, environmental, and genetic risk factors attributed to the development of AD. Alzheimer's Disease and its Link to the Normal Human Developmental Process of Aging Contrary to popular belief, studies show that Alzheimer’s disease is not part of the normal human developmental process of aging. It is imperative that researchers acknowledge that AD is not part of the normal aging process. Researchers must keep an open mind during the research and experimental process, exploring all plausible arguments, in order to discover the cause(s) and/or...
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...Analysis of Alzheimer’s Disease based on the D.N. case study. D.N. developed Alzheimer’s disease at age 50. Early signs were vague and included occasional errors in judgment and increased criticism of others, noted only in retrospect. Several years later, following several episodes of extreme anger, a diagnosis of Alzheimer was made. At this time, it was suspected that his father also had AD but had died from an unrelated cause before the diagnosis was could be made […] The neurologist prescribed gelantamine, an anticholinesterase inhibitors and regular attendance at a group center offering appropriate activities […] The degeneration progresses rapidly over the next 2 years. The maximum dose of galantamine is no longer effective. He is confused about any change and not capable of performing simple activities. Communication is impaired, including that with family members […] (Gould, Dyer, 2010 p.527) Although aging is a natural part of human existence, it is also considered the most difficult phase of ones life. Social, psychological and financial factors may remind a person that the quality of their every day is not what it used to be, but the physical changes that take place in the human body are the ones that affect aged people the most. Among a long list of conditions and diseases that are prevalent in the elderly population, forms of dementia are the ones that not only lead to unavoidable health impairment but...
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...Developmental Stage and analysis Paper. People during the course of their lifetimes, go through various changes as grown-ups and children. During the individual's life, they will go through various possible cognitive, social, physical, and character changes. Annie, who is 13 years of age, teenager and in 6th grade, begins her pubescent stage following the adolescence time ending. She is described as a “youth” or “young adult” by a majority of folks. Ages of teens are from 13 years old to 21 years of age. Noticeably, Annie, like a lot of other young girls during this stage, arrives from several changes in her life as her body prepares to evolve. Throughout this period in Annie’s life, she will begin puberty bringing on multiple emotional, physical and cognitive alterations in her character and physique. “Puberty” is the moment of development at which the person can reproduce sexually. (Lahey, 2010, p.334). A number of distinct physical changes take place throughout puberty. As a result, Annie’s body will start evolving, because of the increase in estrogen. Annie’s Transformation The largest and distinct developmental transition in Annie’s body will be growth spurts. Throughout the time, this girl can develop in any place from 8 inches and 12 inches in stature, and it is healthy for consuming habits to move from consuming small servings to eating bigger meals. While Annie starts to eat more substantial portions, causing her body to begin to change physically. Several parts...
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...is the process of aging. With the baby-boomer generation increasing in age, a demand has resulted for more information on how this population can live longer, happier, and healthier. As technology advances and medical knowledge increases, more research is being compiled to better understand exactly how the aging process works, and how longevity can be improved. Investigation and research has indicated that several factors could increase the longevity of not just this specific population, but of people in general. One such factor is involvement in an organized religion. It has been found that religious involvement of any type fosters a positive view of quality of life, provides a network of social support, and often promotes healthy habits and good stress management. Another such factor is strong cognitive skills. Studies have demonstrated that good stress management and the use of analytical skills that later result in what is referred to as “wisdom” can belay the effects of cognitive decline and other mental deficits. Lastly, studies of participation in daily physical activity in both early and later life can increase longevity by improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of other related health issues. Although many elements can contribute to increasing longevity, the most influential factors are organized religion, cognition, and physical activity. Membership in an organized religion has demonstrated an ability to improve longevity for the aging population. For...
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...members also may deny the existence of the disease because they do not want to accept the diagnosis and because, at least in the beginning, AD and other forms of dementia can resemble normal aging. Therefore additional steps are necessary to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of dementia. Physical examination A physical examination can help rule out treatable causes of dementia and identify signs of stroke or other disorders that can contribute to dementia. It can also identify signs of other illnesses, such as heart disease or kidney failure, that can overlap with dementia. If a patient is taking medications that may be causing or contributing to his or her symptoms, the doctor may suggest stopping or replacing some medications to see if the symptoms go away. Neurological evaluations Doctors will perform a neurological examination, looking at balance, sensory function, reflexes, and other functions, to identify signs of conditions - for example movement disorders or stroke - that may affect the patient's diagnosis or are treatable with drugs. Cognitive and neuropsychological tests Doctors use tests that measure memory, language skills, math skills, and other abilities related to mental functioning to help them diagnose a patient's condition accurately. For example, people with AD often show changes in so-called executive functions (such as problem-solving), memory, and the ability to perform once-automatic tasks. Doctors often use a...
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...Alzheimer’s Disease a progressive neurologic disease of the brain leading to the irreversible loss of neurons and the loss of intellectual abilities, including memory loss and reasoning, which becomes severe enough to impede social or occupational functioning. The article Poor Decision Making Is a Consequence of Cognitive Decline among Older Persons without Alzheimer’s Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment is about decision making is an important determinant of health and well-being across the lifespan but is critical in aging, when many influential decisions are made just as cognitive function declines. The increasing evidence suggests that older adults, even those without dementia, often make poor decisions and are selectively vulnerable to scams. The memory and aging project did a experiment with 420 non-demented persons to see if cognitive evaluations and subsequently completed assessments of decision making and susceptibility to scams. In this study, the researchers tested the hypothesis that poor decision making is consequence of cognitive decline among older people without AD or MCI. Decision making is a complex behavior that require higher order cognitive functions and is critical in aging when some of life’s most influential decision are made. For reasons unknown, older person are highly vulnerable to poor decision choices. Using data from 420 non-demented persons, they first tested the hypothesis that the rate of cognitive decline prior to the decision making assessment predicted...
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...that has loss of memory and change in behavior and activities. It goes beyond the forgetfulness and absent minded. It is commonly used In reference to the elderly, when cognitive abilities start to slip from one’s own control. Dementia cannot be diagnosed due to memory loss alone. It must be accompanied by two or more interruptions of brain function. Individuals who suffer from a disease that causes dementia undergo a number of changes. Simple daily tasks such as dressing or bathing may also become a problem. Anything can be a cause for dementia, a stroke, a car accident or even another disease. Here, I will compare four most frequent causes of dementia with four least frequent causes. Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke, is the second most common dementia type. But there are many other conditions that can cause symptoms of dementia, including some that are reversible, such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies. Dementia is often incorrectly referred to as "senility" or "senile dementia," which reflects the formerly widespread but incorrect belief that serious mental decline is a normal part of aging. Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. This damage interferes...
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...2 Infancy and Childhood Physical Development Cognitive Development Piaget’s Stage Theory Sensorimotor Stage CONCEPT LEARNING CHECK 12.2 Stages of Cognitive Development 12 Learning Objectives Development Throughout the Life Span 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 Describe the development of the field and explain the prenatal and newborn stages of human development. Discuss physical development in infants and newborns. Examine Piaget’s stage theory in relation to early cognitive development. Illustrate the importance of attachment in psychosocial development. Discuss the impact of sexual development in adolescence and changes in moral reasoning in adolescents and young adults. Examine the life stages within Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. Illustrate the physical, cognitive, and social aspects of aging. Describe the multiple influences of nature and nurture in human development. 12.3 Adolescence and Young Adulthood Physical Development Cognitive Development Social Development Cognitive Development Social Development Continuity or Change Relationships Ages and Stages of Adulthood 12.5 Nature and Nurture Summary of Multiple Influences on Development CONCEPT LEARNING CHECK 12.5 Nature or Nurture? CONCEPT LEARNING CHECK 12.3 Defining CONCEPT LEARNING CHECK 12.4 Is There a Adolescence “Right Time” for Everything? CRITICAL THINKING APPLICATION 12.4 Adulthood and Aging Physical Development Reproductive Life Life Expectancy...
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...many years and millions have gone on to find the cure to stop this tragic illness that overcomes thousands of loved ones every year, scientist have decided to step back and make a strategy. With so many failed attempts of curing this disease, they decided to find an attack approach before being diagnosed. Studies have gone into the smallest detail to find common traits that those diagnosed have. While this is an endless and tedious process, they continued. Scientist have discovered that there are ways to lower the risks of being diagnosed with the disease in the future. Although there is no cure once diagnosed, there have been studies found on how to lessen your chances of getting it. Multiple articles, including National Institute of Agings “alheimer’s prevention”, state that vitamins are always a natural and healthy route as well as anti inflammatory drugs. While a healthy diet and exercise can be effective for staying healthy and fighting against most viruses, which also plays a big part in dementia and alzheimer’s prevention as well. There are know foods that protect your memory and keep you mind sharp. A mediterranean diet is said to be one, if not the healthiest diet to go by in terms of memory consumption. Other things like red wine and tea has said to play a factor in this topic as well....
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...Alzheimer's disease is a disease of the brain that is eventually fatal and affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It is an "irreversible disease and destroys brain cells causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate." ("Alzheimer's Disease", 2016). Each individual with this fatal disease is affected in different ways. There is no order in which symptoms occur or the speed of their progression. Alzheimer's disease affects a person's ability to make decisions, perform simple tasks, or follow a conversation. It also affects a person's emotions, mood, and physical abilities. Individuals with this disease can lose interest in their favorite hobbies, become less expressive and withdrawn. An individual may also seem "different" or out...
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...Epidemiology of Alzheimer' Disease Ronya Bentz NUR/408 March 4, 2013 Patricia Schwartz Epidemiology of Alzheimer' Disease According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “not just the absence of mental disorder but as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” (Perry, Presley-Cantrell, and Dhingra 2010). Mental illness, “refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders that are characterized by alteration in thinking, mood or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning” (Perry, Presley-Cantrell, and Dhingra 2010). Mental health is an increasing concern with the vulnerable population of the elderly across America. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the two leading psychiatric diseases effecting the elderly, causing deterioration of intellectual functioning. Scientists cannot completely comprehend the etiology and progress of these two diseases. Scientists have learned that both diseases have signs and symptoms parallel to one another (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 2011). It is important to get a better perception of the development of these diseases, so the importance of understanding epidemiology is relevant...
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