The Psychology of Aging - Pima Council On Aging · PDF fileThe Psychology of Aging Healthy...
Transcript of The Psychology of Aging - Pima Council On Aging · PDF fileThe Psychology of Aging Healthy...
The Psychology of AgingHealthy Minds, Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives
Lee Ryan, Ph.D.
Professor and Head, Psychology Department
Our Mission:Advancing the science of
psychology from infancy to old age
Our Vision:Healthy Minds, Healthy Brains,
Healthy Lives
The Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute is dedicated to
understanding aging and memory
Dr. Carol Barnes, Director
Environment
Genetics
Disease
Education
StressSocial
Engagement
Nutrition
Cognitive
Engagement
Exercise
Heart Health and Brain Health
How diet and exercise can maintain our cognitive functioning as we age, and may decrease risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Obesity and health Obesity is the leading cause of mortality in the U.S.
Approximately 50% of cardiovascular disease could be prevented through diet and physical activity
Increased body weight in older adults:
Greater brain volume loss
Poorer memory
Poorer “executive functions”
Increased risk for Alzheimer’s
Oxidative Stress & Inflammation
Oxidative Stress/
Inflammation
Obesity Menopause
Hypertension Tobacco
Gender
AlcoholInfections
Regions showing age-related decreases in gray
matter volume
CONTROLS AI Users
Controls show more extensive age-related gray matter
volume loss compared to anti-inflammatory drug users.
Anti-inflammatory foods Vegetables and fruits
(colorful)
Oily fish (Alaskan cod,
salmon, sardines)
Nuts and Seeds
(particularly almonds)
Beans and legumes
Mushrooms
Spices – garlic,
turmeric, cinnamon
Teas and coffee
Dark chocolate
Red wine
Anti-inflammatoriesResveratrol
Caffeine
Pro-biotics
In animal studies:
Cardiovascular benefits
Protects against diabetes
Delays age-related
memory problems
Carol Barnes, Meredith Hay
The Mediterranean DietVegetables, legumes, fruit, whole grains
Unsaturated fatty acids (mostly olive oil)
Saturated fatty acids
Fish, dairy products (hard cheeses, yogurt)
Meat and poultry
Alcohol, primarily wine with meals
Associated with:
Lowers risk for cardiovascular disease
Lowers cancer risk
Reduces risk for Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 50%
(Scarmeas et al., 2012; Columbia Univ)
Brisk walking 45 mins per day, 3 days a week, 6 months
Also increases in brain blood flow, and brain volume
Increases in learning and memory
Exercise and Brain
Gene Alexander, David Raichlen
Lifelong learning
Brain health
Memory and executive functions
Social engagement
Increased quality of life
Elizabeth Glisky
Overcoming hearing lossCochlear implants for severe hearing loss
Increases social interaction
May increase overall brain health
May benefit memory and executive functions
Elizabeth Glisky
Stress reductionA Balance Between Too Little and Too Much!!
Stress reduction through meditation
Benefits for heart and brain functions
Maintains cognitive healthMary-Frances O’Connor
It’s all about balance….
World Health Organization:
“Health” includes physical, cognitive,
emotional, and social well-being.