Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Annalisa Merelli
Published on 2024-02-09 21:59:37
The relationship between aging, memory loss, and overall cognition is currently a hot topic of debate, especially in light of special counsel Rober Hur’s report on President Biden’s alleged mishandling of classified documents. Although the report does not recommend pressing criminal charges against Biden, it has brought attention to the president’s age and memory issues. Medical professionals generally avoid armchair diagnoses of public figures, but the current conversation offers an opportunity to reflect on what is known about memory and the aging brain. To explore this further, STAT spoke with Joel Kramer, a professor of neuropsychology at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.
Kramer explains that there are no strict rules about memory changes with age. While some people experience noticeable memory decline as they age, others show no change in their memory over the years. The impression that memory always declines with age is often due to the fact that our brains, like other body parts, become more susceptible to various conditions that are associated with aging. These changes are not inevitable as part of aging, but rather are associated with specific conditions such as arthritis. Therefore, while it may be a general trend that an 80-year-old will not remember as well as a 60-year-old, it is not a rule that applies to every individual.
Memory lapses in older age do not always indicate underlying conditions, and they do not necessarily imply cognitive impairment. In fact, some older individuals compensate for memory problems by having very good reasoning, planning, and judgment. Studies have shown that older individuals may have slower reaction times but also have more experience and better judgment. Therefore, the assumption that older individuals inherently have memory or other cognitive skills problems is not accurate. As a doctor, concern for memory lapses and losses arises when family members notice changes, cognitive tests show problems, or there are biological signs of potential disease.
Regarding different kinds of memory, Kramer explains that there are multiple types of memory, each relying on different neuroanatomy or neural networks. The types of memory symptoms can vary depending on the kind of disease an individual has. In the case of President Biden, Kramer suggests that there may be a cultural bias or political nonsense at play in the criticism of his memory and cognitive function, as in some cultures, the elderly are more venerated and respected.
Overall, the conversation surrounding aging, memory loss, and cognition is multifaceted. While there are general trends associated with aging and memory, individual experiences can vary, and not all memory lapses in older individuals indicate underlying conditions. Furthermore, it is important to consider the various types of memory and their relationship to different neuroanatomy and neural networks. Ultimately, the approach to understanding the aging brain and memory should be based on scientific evidence rather than preconceived notions.
