Cognitive Changes and the Aging Brain

This book describes the changes in the brain and in cognitive functions that occur with aging in the absence of a neurological, psychiatric, or medical disease. It discusses aging-related changes in many brain functions, including memory, language, sensory perception, motor function, creativity, attention, executive functions, emotions and mood. The neural mechanisms that may account for specific aging-related changes in cognition, perception and behavior are explored, as well as the means by which aging-related cognitive decrements can be managed and possibly ameliorated. Consequently, this book will be of value to clinicians, including neurologists, psychiatrists, geriatricians, primary care physicians, psychologists and speech-language pathologists. In addition, researchers and graduate students who want to learn about the aging brain will find this an indispensable guide.

List of contributors; 1. Introduction Kenneth M. Heilman and Stephen E. Nadeau; 2. Pathology of the aging brain Anthony T. Yachnis; 3. Cellular and molecular mechanisms for age related cognitive decline Jolie D. Barter and Thomas C. Foster; 4. Neuroimaging of the aging brain Ronald. A. Cohen, Eric Porges and Joseph M. Gullat; 5. Changes in visuospatial, visuoperceptual, and navigational ability in aging Gabrielle A. Hromas and Russell M. Bauer; 6. Chemosensory function during neurologically healthy aging Jennifer J. Stamps; 7. Memory changes in the aging brain Glenn J. Larabee; 8. Aging-related alterations in language Stephen E. Nadeau; 9. Changes in emotions and mood with aging Erin Trifilio, John Williamson and Kenneth M. Heilman; 10. Aging and attention Ian H. Robertson and Paul M. Dockree; 11. Changes in motor programming with aging Kenneth M. Heilman; 12. Alterations in executive functions with aging Donald T. Stuss and Fergus I. M. Craik; 13. Brain aging and creativity Ira S. Fischler and Kenneth M. Heilman; 14. Attractor network dynamics, transmitters, and the memory and cognitive changes in aging Edmund T. Rolls; 15. Mechanisms of aging-related cognitive decline Stephen E. Nadeau; 16. The influence of physical exercise on cognitive aging Jamie C. Peven, Chelsea M. Stillman and Kirk I. Erickson; 17. Pharmacological cosmetic neurology Erin C. Conrad and Anjan Chatterjee; 18. Cognitive rehabilitation in healthy aging Nicole D. Anderson and Gordon Winocur; 19. Preventing cognitive decline and dementia Yat-Fung Shea and Steven T. DeKosky.

Kenneth M. Heilman is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, and Staff Neurologist at the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, and Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Florida.
Stephen E. Nadeau is Professor at the Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, and Associate Chief of Staff for Research, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Florida.