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Aging of the frontal lobe
Theodore P Zanto1, Adam Gazzaley2
1Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|October 9, 2019
Summary
Cognitive aging involves prefrontal cortex (PFC) changes, impacting functions like attention and memory. However, lifestyle factors and interventions like exercise can maintain or improve cognitive function throughout life.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Healthy aging is linked to cognitive function deficits, particularly those involving the prefrontal cortex (PFC).
- Age-related changes in PFC anatomy and physiology are thought to underlie these cognitive declines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize prominent cognitive changes associated with aging of the PFC.
- To explore factors influencing cognitive performance across the lifespan and potential remediation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cognitive aging and PFC alterations.
- Analysis of factors contributing to cognitive decline and preservation in older adults.
Main Results:
- Aging of the PFC impairs cognitive control functions like attention, working memory, and multitasking.
- Certain cognitive functions (e.g., arithmetic, emotional control) may be preserved.
- Individual cognitive trajectories vary due to life-course, lifestyle, and genetic factors.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive aging is multifactorial, influenced by various life-course and lifestyle elements.
- Brain plasticity allows for remediation of age-related cognitive declines through methods like physical exercise and cognitive training.
- Successful cognitive aging is a lifelong process, potentially starting in early life.
Keywords:
AgingDopamineInhibitory controlMultitaskingPrefrontal cortexSelective attentionSustained attentionWorking memoryMore Related Videos
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