Neuropsychiatric Features Of Aging

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Contents 1 Clinical-manifestations 2 More General Terms 3 Additional Terms 4 References

Clinical-manifestations

• tonic underarousal & decreased sensory processing
• slowed neuronal processing & increased stimulus persistence

• decreased psychomotor speed

• decreased complex, divided & sustained attention
• interference from redundant or irrelevant material

• decreased attention, divided & sustained

• accentuation of certain personality traits

• decreased excitability & impulsivity: more cautious
• disengagement & fewer risk goal- oriented behaviors
• decreased flexibility & tolerance for change

• classical aging pattern of intelligence

• preserved crystallized intelligence (employing old information in old solutions)
• decreased fluid intelligence (novel approaches, new information, new solutions)
• relatively stable verbal IQ
• progressive decline in performance IQ

• language:

• diminished fluency, word finding & confrontation naming
• vocabulary largely unchanged
• richer narrative style
• decreased active naming

• decreased primary & working memory
• diminished episodic & recent memory
• decreased retrieval of stored information
• decreased perception & increased spatial segmentation -decreased visual-spatial skills & visuoperceptual function
• executive function: abstractions become more concrete
• cognitive changes with normal aging are NOT sufficient to interfere with activities of daily living (at least until age > 90)

More General Terms

• geriatrics
• age-associated changes in the central nervous system

Additional Terms

• psychosis, agitation & difficult behavior in the elderly
• subjective memory problems in the elderly

References

1. Mendez M. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, Osterweil et al eds, McGraw-Hill, New York, pg 86
2. UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 29-Oct 2, 2004

neuropsychiatric features of aging