Changes in the Brain and Cognition

In the past, memory loss and confusion were considered a normal part of aging. However, it is now understood that most people remain both alert and able as they age, although it may take them longer to remember things. With age, it is normal for the number of nerve cells to decrease, the weight of the brain to decrease, and cerebral blood flow to decrease. Some cognitive functions are affected by the normal aging processes and can include reduced short-term memory, slower reaction times, decreased precision, a longer period of time to learn new information, and forgetfulness. However, intellectual performance generally remains very strong into the 80s, and most older adults remain mentally fit.

Common Disorders

Although they are not part of the normal aging process, older adults can experience some common disorders of the brain. For example, some older persons may suffer from dementia. Dementia describes a group of symptoms that are caused by changes in brain function. Dementia symptoms may include asking the same questions repeatedly; becoming lost in familiar places; being unable to follow directions; getting disoriented about time, people, and places; and neglecting personal safety, hygiene, and nutrition. Alzheimer's disease is a common form of dementia that affects as many as 4 million older Americans.

Learn how to test for dementia

 

Implications for Older Adults

Changes in the brain and cognitive function have implications for most activities in life. The longer amount of time it takes for them to learn new things may cause difficulty with any number of activities, from understanding medication instructions to learning new tasks. One specific example is that older adults may experience problems driving because they have slowed reaction times. Can you think of other implications in an older person's life?

References and Further Resources on Aging and the Brain

Web Sites

Alzheimer's Association

Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center

Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Learning modules

The Growing Challenge of Alzheimer's Disease in Residential Settings

Articles & Reports

Administration on Aging. (January 2001). Older adults and mental health: issues and opportunities. Washington, DC: Administration on Aging. http://www.aoa.dhhs.gov/mh/report2001/default.htm

National Institute on Aging. (October, 1995). Alzheimer's disease: unraveling the mystery (NIH Publication No. 95-3782). Washington, DC: National Institute on Aging.
http://www.alzheimers.org/unravel.html

National Institute on Aging. (1996). Forgetfulness: it's not always what you think. Washington, DC: National Institute on Aging.
http://www.nih.gov/nia/health/agepages/forget.htm

State of the art for practice in dementia. (Fall 1999 issue). Generations. XXIII, 3.

Stutts, J. C. (1998). Do older drivers with visual and cognitive impairment drive less? Journal of the American Geriatric Association, 46, 1-8.

Tranel, D., Benton, A., Olson, K. (1997). 10-year longitudinal study of cognitive changes in elderly persons. Developmental Neuropsychology, 13 (1), 87-96.