Cognitive decline as part of mental ageing is typically assessed with standardized tests; below-average performance in such tests is used as an indicator for pathological cognitive aging. In addition, morphological and functional changes in the brain are used as parameters for age-related pathological decline in cognitive abilities. However, there is no simple link between the trajectories of changes in cognition and morphological or functional changes in the brain. Furthermore, below-average test performance does not necessarily mean a significant impairment in everyday activities. It therefore appears crucial to record individual everyday tasks and their cognitive (and other) requirements in functional terms. This would also allow reliable assessment of the ecological validity of existing and insufficient cognitive skills. Understanding and dealing with the phenomena and consequences of mental aging does of course not only depend on cognition. Motivation and emotions as well personal meaning of life and life satisfaction play an equally important role. This means, however, that cognition represents only one, albeit important, aspect of mental aging. Furthermore, creating and development of proper assessment tools for functional cognition is important. In this contribution we would like to discuss some aspects that we consider relevant for a holistic view of the aging mind and promote a strengthening of a multidisciplinary approach with close cooperation between all basic and applied sciences involved in aging research, a quick translation of the research results into practice, and a close cooperation between all disciplines and professions who advise and support older people. Show
chronological age is an imperfect indicator of "functional age": the actual competence and performance of the older adult
"Average healthy life expectancy" refers to the number of years a person born in a particular year can expect to live in full health, without disease or injury
Life expectancy in late adulthood shows decreased differences between males and females, and among ethnic and SES groups; possibly reflecting attrition of less healthy individuals Factors in a long life:
Quality of life
"Maximum lifespan": the genetic/biological limit to the life of a person (excluding external risk factors)
II. Physical Changes
12-1-10 III Cognitive Development
Dementia's of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT): progressive and irreversible declines in higher mental functions
Cerebrovascular Dementia's: mental declines associated with circulatory system problems within the CNS (strokes, TIA's)
Parkinson Dementia: a subcortical dementia associated with Parkinson's disease 12-3-10 Aging and Normal Cognitive Functioning Many types of remembering
Language processing
Executive functioning in late adulthood
Terminal decline: increased speed and severity of mental deterioration often seen prior to death
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