健康老龄化
Some changes in thinking ability are considered a normal part of aging. Most healthy older adults experience mild decline in some areas of cognition, 比如视觉和言语记忆, immediate memory or the ability to name objects.
However, some people experience dementia, which is not part of normal aging. Dementia is characterized by multiple cognitive deficits with memory impairments affecting a person's language, 工作(即时)记忆, 空间记忆, verbal memory and executive functioning. Executive function is a set of mental processes that helps connect past experience with present action. 人们用它来做计划, 组织, 制定策略, pay attention to and remember details, 管理时间和空间.
在大多数情况下, a person's social functioning and ability to live independently must be affected to be diagnosed with dementia. Independent living means the ability to shop alone, 管理财务, perform basic household duties and monitor appropriate social behaviors. Independent living should not be compromised during normal aging.
It is often difficult to determine if someone's cognitive changes are not just a normal part of aging. Symptoms of dementia and what is considered normal behaviour differ for each person. This contributes to the challenges doctors may face when determining whether or not cognitive decline is due to a physiological or psychological condition.
痴呆症的症状包括:
- 在熟悉的地方迷路
- 重复的提问
- 奇怪或不适当的行为
- 忘记最近发生的事情
- 反复跌倒或失去平衡
- 人格改变
- Decline in planning and organization
- 饮食或饮食习惯的改变
- 卫生方面的改变
- 增加了冷漠
- Changes in language abilities, including comprehension
The progression of cognitive deficits in conditions such as 阿尔茨海默病 may accelerate in the few years before the person is diagnosed. Accelerated cognitive decline may not occur until events, like a 中风, reach a threshold where the brain can no longer compensate for damage. It is important to get regular medical check-ups to monitor the extent and severity of any cognitive decline.
继续阅读
Risk factors for cognitive decline
- 高血压， 糖尿病, poor nutrition and social isolation are associated with a higher probability of developing a neurodegenerative condition
- 心脏病
- 痴呆家族史
- Psychological factors such as stress and depression also negatively affect the healthy aging process
健康衰老的小贴士
Although we have yet to discover the fountain of youth, there are many ways to increase your life expectancy:
- Stay away from smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a high level of physical activity through exercise. Exercise helps keep muscles strong and flexible and helps maintain mood.
- 接受常规医疗护理.
- Care for your cardiovascular health. Remember, what's good for the heart is good for the brain!
- 建立社会支持网络, so you can share the aging process with others who are experiencing the same challenges and joys of the latter years of life.
- Keep doing the activities that you enjoy and find challenging for as long as possible. 例如, 园艺, 打桥牌, walking and reading are complicated enough to involve your mind but don't add stress to your life.
- 健康饮食. Plan your meals around your vegetables and then fill in with other foods. Eat a variety of foods as close to their natural state as possible.
While it is important to remain vigilant about maintaining good health, it is equally important to acknowledge that there are individual differences during the aging process. Discuss any concerns you may have with a health care professional.
加州大学旧金山分校健康 medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
