Psyc 140 Module 8 Study set

Misconceptions and Misunderstanding of Late Adulthood - answer-Do most adults develop dementia? -No -Some have memory lapses or senility -Professionals use the term dementia or neurocognitive disorder to describe the loss of cognitive abilities due to Alzheimer's or Stroke. -Not typical for anyone to have a neurocognitive disorder. -Not a normal part of aging -Neurocognitive disorders can be caused by stroke, drug and alcohol abuse, or progressive deterioration -NDs are extremely rare prior to the age of 60. -Small percent of 65-70 Y/O have NDs. The number increases with age. Misconceptions and Misunderstanding of Late adulthood - answer-Why do women typically outlive men? -Multifaceted issue, experts indicate the answer to this question is partly genetics. -Partly environmental -Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors (drug and alcohol abuse) and less vigilant about their overall health. Misconceptions and Misunderstanding of Late adulthood - answer-Are memory problems inevitable as we get older? -Cognitive changes occur as adults age. -Typical change: Elders have trouble remembering precise information. -Neurocognitive disorders and Dementia are not a NORMAL part of aging! Misconceptions and Misunderstanding of Late adulthood - answer-Do most elders need to live in a nursing home? -NO -Most elders are able to care for themselves and able to carry on their normal activities. -Elders who are physically unwell and have cognitive and mobility issues may utilize/necessitate long-term care. Two Types of Aging - answer--Primary Aging: Genetic influence, is thought to be unavoidable. What triggers this process is up for debate. -Secondary Aging: Aging that is not inevitable. Choices we make contribute to this aging and environmental exposure. e.g. (smoking cigarettes, sun exposure causes wrinkles. Wear and Tear theory - answer--According to this theory, time and exertion is the enemy. -This theory doesn't take into account that the body does an amazing job at repairing normal wear and tear. -This theory doesn't explain what causes this issue. -focuses on secondary aging, disregards the root problem, primary aging. -Those who engage in exercise and activities are typically healthier, longer lived compared to sedentary individuals. -Scientists look at DNA for answers to aging. Free Radical Theory - answer--Triggered by certain environmental contaminants. -Might be linked to various diseases. -Accumulating free radicals over time, associates with problems. e.g. (DNA mutations (primary aging meets secondary aging), cataracts, arthritis, certain cancers, diabetes, etc). -Modified in the 1970s -As we move through the world there's toxins and other things that cause mutations. -RECENT work modifies this theory. -Cellular Theory Programmed Cell Theory - answer--Focuses on how cells appear to be designed to self-destruct. -Various processes contribute to programmed cell death. -Many diseases are associated with aging. e.g. (Osteoporosis, Alzheimer's). -Aging follows a particular timetable. Celluar Theories of Aging - answer--Includes the phenomenon. Hayflick Limit (named after discoverer) -States that human adult cells have a limited number of time they can divide. -When limit is reached, cells begin to die. Hayflick Limit - answer--Limit to the number of cells that can divide before senescence. -Doesn't limit one's lifespan -May not be connected to how long you live. Apoptosis - answer--Cell suicide -Cells die and make room for new cells. -Too much cell division causes diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS. -Cells accelerate at a rate that's problematic. Subtypes of Neurocognitive Disorders (Overview) - answer--People can have mild or major NDs -There are a number of potential causes. -There are various subtypes of NDs/Dementias. Subtypes of Neurocognitive Disorders - answer--Parkison's Disease: May cause ND. Symptoms: Anxiety, Depression, Hallucination, and personality changes. -Cognitive Decline due to Vascular Disease: Cerebrovascular events such STROKE. (risk factors, Hypertension, Smoking, Obesity anything that contributes to cerebrovascular disease).