The Psychology of AgingHealthy Minds, Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives

Lee Ryan, Ph.D.

Professor and Head, Psychology Department

Our Mission:Advancing the science of

psychology from infancy to old age

Our Vision:Healthy Minds, Healthy Brains,

Healthy Lives

The Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute is dedicated to

understanding aging and memory

Dr. Carol Barnes, Director

Environment

Genetics

Disease

Education

StressSocial

Engagement

Nutrition

Cognitive

Engagement

Exercise

Heart Health and Brain Health

How diet and exercise can maintain our cognitive functioning as we age, and may decrease risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Obesity and health Obesity is the leading cause of mortality in the U.S.

Approximately 50% of cardiovascular disease could be prevented through diet and physical activity

Increased body weight in older adults:

Greater brain volume loss

Poorer memory

Poorer “executive functions”

Increased risk for Alzheimer’s

Oxidative Stress & Inflammation

Oxidative Stress/

Inflammation

Obesity Menopause

Hypertension Tobacco

Gender

AlcoholInfections

Regions showing age-related decreases in gray

matter volume

CONTROLS AI Users

Controls show more extensive age-related gray matter

volume loss compared to anti-inflammatory drug users.

Anti-inflammatory foods Vegetables and fruits

(colorful)

Oily fish (Alaskan cod,

salmon, sardines)

Nuts and Seeds

(particularly almonds)

Beans and legumes

Mushrooms

Spices – garlic,

turmeric, cinnamon

Teas and coffee

Dark chocolate

Red wine

Anti-inflammatoriesResveratrol

Caffeine

Pro-biotics

In animal studies:

Cardiovascular benefits

Protects against diabetes

Delays age-related

memory problems

Carol Barnes, Meredith Hay

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean DietVegetables, legumes, fruit, whole grains

Unsaturated fatty acids (mostly olive oil)

Saturated fatty acids

Fish, dairy products (hard cheeses, yogurt)

Meat and poultry

Alcohol, primarily wine with meals

Associated with:

Lowers risk for cardiovascular disease

Lowers cancer risk

Reduces risk for Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 50%

(Scarmeas et al., 2012; Columbia Univ)

Brisk walking 45 mins per day, 3 days a week, 6 months

Also increases in brain blood flow, and brain volume

Increases in learning and memory

Exercise and Brain

Gene Alexander, David Raichlen

Lifelong learning

Brain health

Memory and executive functions

Social engagement

Increased quality of life

Elizabeth Glisky

Overcoming hearing lossCochlear implants for severe hearing loss

Increases social interaction

May increase overall brain health

May benefit memory and executive functions

Elizabeth Glisky

Stress reductionA Balance Between Too Little and Too Much!!

Stress reduction through meditation

Benefits for heart and brain functions

Maintains cognitive healthMary-Frances O’Connor

It’s all about balance….

World Health Organization:

“Health” includes physical, cognitive,

emotional, and social well-being.

FINDING BALANCE:ENHANCING PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL,

AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING

FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015

Robert Frost on aging….“The afternoon knows what the

morning never suspected.”