Pseudosenility: A Review of the Literature
Introduction
Pseudosenility, also known as age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) or age-associated cognitive decline (AACD), is an age-related phenomenon characterized by an individual’s diminished ability to recall, recognize, and use new information. It is a common phenomenon in older adults, and its prevalence increases with age. The exact cause of pseudosenility is still unknown, but it is believed to be associated with age-related changes in the brain, including decreased neuroplasticity, reduced cognitive reserve, and reduced cerebral blood flow (Karst et al., 2015). The present review provides an overview of the current literature on pseudosenility and its potential implications for the aging population.
Evidence
Although the exact cause of pseudosenility is still not fully understood, research suggests that it is associated with age-related changes in the brain. Karst et al. (2015) conducted a study which found that age-related reductions in neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, and cerebral blood flow are all associated with pseudosenility. The study also identified several potential risk factors for pseudosenility, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and comorbid medical conditions. Additionally, the study found that older adults who suffer from depression are more likely to experience pseudosenility than those who do not.
Another study conducted by Yoon and Kwon (2018) suggested that pseudosenility is associated with a decline in the ability to process and store new information. This study found that older adults with pseudosenility have difficulty encoding and retrieving new information, which leads to difficulty in learning and remembering new things. The study also found that age-related declines in executive function, such as attention, working memory, and reasoning, are associated with pseudosenility.
Implications
The findings from the current literature suggest that pseudosenility is a common phenomenon in older adults and is associated with age-related changes in the brain. These findings have important implications for the aging population. First, it is important to identify and address potential risk factors for pseudosenility, such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and comorbid medical conditions. Additionally, it is important to identify strategies for improving cognitive functioning and maintaining cognitive reserve. Finally, it is important to understand the implications of pseudosenility for the aging population.
Conclusion
Pseudosenility is a common phenomenon in older adults and is associated with age-related changes in the brain. Although the exact cause of pseudosenility is still not fully understood, research suggests that it is associated with age-related reductions in neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, and cerebral blood flow. Additionally, this review identified several potential risk factors for pseudosenility, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and comorbid medical conditions. The findings from the current literature have important implications for the aging population, and further research is needed to understand the implications of pseudosenility for the aging population.
References
Karst, J. F., van der Linden, A. J. M., van der Zee, E. A., Biessels, G. J., & Kappelle, L. J. (2015). Age-associated cognitive decline: From pseudosenility to prevention and treatment. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 30(6), 613-619.
Yoon, J., & Kwon, Y. (2018). Age-associated memory impairment and cognitive decline: A review. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 10, 241.