072 – Cognitive Aging: How Memory & Thinking Change as One Gets Older

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)
  • Cognitive Aging Action Guide for Individuals and Families
• Pocket Talker