Short-Term Memory and Aging

Paper Summary:

This paper addresses short-term memory loss among the elderly. The paper points out that the habit of viewing difficulties of short-term memory loss as normal in aging is countered by knowledge of the phenomenon as a frequent indication of changes in other memory functions. The paper mentions current models, which address short-term memory in relation to brain connectivity, such that impaired short-term memory may be read as a sign for other alterations in memory or brain function that are more significant. The paper looks into a variety of causes in order to gain a better conceptualization of a condition that is a frequent symptom, rather than a disorder all its own. The paper concludes that symptoms involving cognition and memory indicate something, and are not reducible to old models of steady decline, especially mental decline, in old age.

From the Paper:

"An aging North American population and much research attention given to Alzheimer's and dementia have produced considerable knowledge of help in understanding other conditions of brain function including mental and nervous disorder. Grady, Furey Et Al (2001) examined altered brain connectivity and the decline of short-term memory of a sample of Alzheimer's patients and a normal control group. Alzheimer's disorder is increasing defined as a syndrome of dysfunctional connectivity within the brain whose most apparent indication is often much impaired short-term memory. Given the technology available to neurologists and neuro-psychiatrists of today, much more is understood of what happens to the memory of the Alzheimer's patient in addition to knowledge allowing us to know more of the normal or aging person who does not present the condition. Delays in cognitive processing due to Alzheimer's changes affect other aspects of memory. For instance, impairment in the functioning of the prefrontal cortex of means the patient cannot recognize a once familiar face, or the face of a caregiver or other individual that is seen daily."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barton, C., B. Miller and K. Yaffe. (2003). Evaluation of the Diagnosis and Management of Cognitive Impairment in Long term Care. Alzheimer Disorder & Associated Disorders. 17: 72-76.
• Bond, J. (2006). Comment - Mild Cognitive Impairment - Where do we do from here? Philosophy, Psychiatry & Psychology. 13: 29-30.
• Bunce, D., M. Kivipetto and A. Wahlin. (2005). Apolipoprotein E, B Vitamins and Cognitive Function in Older Adults. Journals of Gerontology Series A - Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. 60: P41-P48.
• Emery, L., J. Myerson and S. Hale. (2006). Saying versus touching - age differences in short-term memory are affected by the type of response. The Journals of Gerontology Series B - Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences. 61: P366-368.
• Grady, C.L., M.L. Furey, P. Pietrini Et Al. (2001). Altered brain functional connectivity and impaired short term memory in Alzheimer's disease. Brain. 124: 739-756.

More papers on Short-Term Memory and Aging:

• Research Paper # 103123 : "The Short and Long Term Memory of Infants"
• Essay # 13094 : "Human Memory and Knowledge"
• Analytical Essay # 132981 : "Vygotsky and the Memory of Infants"

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