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Cognitive Development in Old Age

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Cognitive Development Development in old age is marked by some cognitive change. Some aspects of the physical structure of the brain deteriorate with old age. Some older people then experience a loss in cognitive functioning. Normal aging does not lead to dementia, but may be caused by accidents or illnesses, most commonly cerebrovascular incidents or Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is marked by memory loss, inability to relate with others, and an inability to manage everyday activities. With Alzheimer’s disease a person experiences confusion, irritability, aggression, mood swings, trouble with language, and long-term memory loss. Even though these diseases do occur, not all older adults experience the same severe cognitive decline. Zarit and Zatir (1998) conclude that Alzheimer’s disease affects about one percent of 65-year-olds in the United States, but that rate increases to about 20 to 25% of 85-year-olds (as cited in Broderick & Blewitt, 2010, p. 486). Interestingly, numerous studies have found that lifelong learning and cognitive simulation may decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010, p. 487). Older adults remember recent experiences better than earlier ones. The features of memory change in older adults are recency and what is called “the bump.” The strength of memories fade with time, so older adult memories are more oriented to the recent past. This is why Fitzgerald (1999) concludes that, “The remembered self is largely a now-self, not a distant-self.” “The bump” in adult memory refers to a higher rate of recollection of events from the 18 to 22 years of age period of young adulthood. When older adults are asked to talk about their most vivid and important memories they are more likely to draw on memories from young adulthood life (Broderick & Blewitt, 2010, p. 490).
Terminal drop is a rapid decline in cognitive function and

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