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In This Episode:
Dr. K explains how memory and thinking change as one gets older, due to normal cognitive aging. She covers:
- How cognitive aging is different from a neurodegenerative process such as Alzheimer’s disease
- 6 ways that memory, other mental processes, and emotional processing change with aging
- Why certain mental tasks become harder in late life
- The difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence
- Worrisome signs that should not be attributed to normal cognitive aging
- Practical ways to maintain better brain function, and to compensate for normal age-related changes
Related episodes:
069 – Evaluating Memory & Thinking Problems: 10 Causes & 10 Things to Check
057 – How to Manage Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Better Brain Health
048 – How Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Affects Most Aging Brains
Related Resources:
- 6 Ways that Memory & Thinking Change with Normal Aging (& What to Do About This)
- 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s (includes examples of normal aging)
- How to Promote Brain Health: The Healthy Aging Checklist, Part 1
- Cognitive Aging: Progress in Understanding and Opportunities for Action (National Academy of Medicine Report)
- Pocket Talker
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Dr Beresford Crook says
Many thanks to Dr Kernisan and coworkers for her Website and section 072 which I have just listened to.
She describes so beautifully and precisely some of the problems that I have at 83. It is so sad that the TV and other media here in the UK including medical programmes in the UK does not address these issues. My acquaintances inevitably find it boring and stressful to relate to ‘oldies’ like myself. I like to show friends and my wife my MRI scan and point out the features of, in my case,’small vessel disease’) to explain why I am having difficulty in taking part in discussions and comprehending the TV and why I fall down and why my severe loss of balance (my main problem) limits my mobility so much. The world is in a hurry and for me, Dr Kernisan speaks like everyone else these days , too quickly and presents ideas that I cannot keep up with. Also, American dialogue is difficult to follow for a Brit. Is there a text version. ?
My neurologist who provided my diagnosis did not feel that further follow up would be of value which is understandable. Appropriate physio did not help and I am slim with no cardiovascular risk factors and a healthy life otherwise and no relevant medication. There does not appear to be an expert in balance problems in the UK. I appreciate that there is no meaningful treatment anyhow and presumably anticholinesterases don’t help. Fortunately I am realistic, irreligious and am a keen supporter of assisted dying, I am most grateful for your information and only wish that wish that a lot more information was available to educate the general public about the problems of old age. I shall listen to some more of the podcasts.
Thanks again, Berry Crook. (MA MB MRCP, retired cardiologist )
Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH says
Dr. Crook, thank you for sharing your story and your feedback. I keep trying to remind myself to speak more slowly on the podcast and will endeavor to do so. Meanwhile, please note that many podcast players have a “speed adjustment”, so it should be possible for you to slow down the speed of the recording.
We do not currently provide transcripts of most episodes, mainly due to lack of funding and resources. But I hope that eventually, we’ll be in a position to provide transcripts and also shorter summaries of the key points.
Thank you once again and take care!