Inadequate nutrition and cognitive decline Essay

Inadequate nutrition and cognitive decline - Essay Example This course study will dwell on the subject of age-related cognitive decline and nutrition as a contributing factor. The lecture will cover the normal and the non-normal aging process of individuals and in particular how nutrients add up to the neurological well-being of the elderly. The hypothesis in this discussion is that: nutritional imbalance is a resultant factor in cognitive decline. We shall review related studies and literature to support this hypothesis which aims to create awareness among all individuals to continue trying to find the nearest approach to cure and prevention of cognitive abnormalities.As the human body tends to grow with age, a certain amount of memory decline is felt which includes the minute reductions or delay in thought processing. For others though, a magnitude of reduction beyond what may be considered "normal" and are relentlessly progressive, robbing individuals of their memories, intellect, and eventually their abilities to recognize close members of their families may concurrently result to a certain cognitive decline. The increasing risk of demented elderly adults created the idea of preventing or reversing neurological disorders associated with cognitive decline. The results of the clinical investigative studies revealed according to Amador(1998) the discovery of vitamin deficiencies causing neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Further, Amador added that the potentials of Vit.B(cobalamin) deficiency has been overlooked as a treatable cause of reversible dementia. Markle(1996)critically reviewed the alteration in thought processes associated with Vit. B deficiencies and discovered several causes that contribute its loss in the bodies among elderly patients. Quadri et al(2004)further added elevated homocysteine concentration results to folate deficiency that aggravates the early risk factor for cognitive decline in elderly individuals. However Under Wright's(2000) free-radical theory of aging, he provided that the effects of "oxidative damage" are responsible for much aging particularly of the premature kind. Wright also suggested based on animal studies that diets high in anti-oxidant-rich foods may be beneficial in slowing ARCD. Among people aged 65 and older, high vitamin C and beta-carotene levels have been associated with better memory performance. Zagaria(2002)further explained that these nutrients as explained may be markers for other dietary factors responsible for protection against cognitive disorders. In most cases when physical activity is diminished, cellular metabolism is likewise affected which results to mal-absorption of nutrients that are needed by the body. Inadequate dietary intake, intake of drugs that inhibit B12 absorption, increased cobalamin excretion that can occur according to Amador in the presence of normal hematological studies. A detailed description on the role of specific nutrients in age-related cognitive decline will be discussed which includes: Vit.B (cobalamin) an d folates; antioxidants and other food products. Vit.B(cobalamin) Andel et al (2005) noticed strong evidence of connection between the low levels of vitamin B12 and warned that this is a common nutritional deficiency in the Western world. Commonly present in meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products adults over 50 are mostly lacking than most people due to atropic gastritis whereby B12 absorption in the small intestine is reduced. However, it should be noted that certain acidic elements are persistent in the stomach of the elderly despite age, it is unusually unthinkable to blame the lack of needed nutrients to gastritis. Teunisse et al(1996)related that cobalamin is an essential vitamin for hematopoiesis and the maintenance of neurologic and psychiatric health. Since it is not synthesized in the body, animals must obtain Vit.B 12 from their diet. Vit.B12 works by aiding in cellular formation and longevity. Essentially it shares in the proper digestion,

Critical Film Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical Film Analysis - Research Paper Example Therefore, reading the human mind is like going through a sea of feelings, emotions, behaviors and life styles developed at different point of time and age. Further, this correlates with the study of human behaviorism. As B. F. Skinner argues in his ‘Theory of Behaviorism’, human behaviors as demonstrated under different situations and circumstances, provide various learning perspectives for the individual in his developing years. These behaviors are shaped and developed while reflected by both internal and external environments of the individual eventually contributing to his cognitive development. This paper briefly addresses the various behavior patterns of the human mind as evolved with age and time. It mainly highlights a brief evaluation of the Freudian Psychology as well as the theory of behaviorism developed by Skinner while illustrating the behavior patterns and conflicting roles and life styles along with the character portrayal of Mickey from the movie Basketb all Diaries. Released in 1995 and directed by Scott Kalvert, the film is an American drama based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Jim Carroll, the high school basketball player who fell into the harrowing world of drug addiction to the extent of prostituting himself in order to afford his habit. The film portrays his early rise as the all-star basketball player, who loses himself in the dark world of drug addiction and eventually comes back as a survivor. Coming back to the notion of psychoanalysis, the predominant psychoanalytic theories can be grouped into several theoretical schools including Skinner and Carl Rogers. The most important psychological theory is the one developed by Freud. It adopts a systematic approach to address different developmental stages of the human mind. Psychoanalysis: Theories and issues With regard to describing the developmental phases of the human mind, Freud’s name comes to the forefront for his remarkable contribution to the s tudy of psychoanalysis. The Freudian psychoanalytic theory is primarily concerned with the psychological functioning and behavior patterns of the human mind. Freudian psychoanalysis discusses how the human mind develops, behaves and verbalizes thoughts including free associations, fantasies and dreams. Freud is more specifically concerned about analyzing the behavioral abnormalities of ‘confused’ and ‘lost’ adults. While explaining the behavioral patterns of abnormal adults, Freudian theory explores the connection between association of ideas and dreams. Freud’s psychoanalysis includes a wide range of themes and notions such as the following: ? Unconscious, repression and defense mechanisms ? Trauma, fixation, regression, sublimation ? Projection, ambivalence, identification ? Transference and the compulsion to repeat ? Psychosexual stages of development Skinner’s theory on behaviorism also focuses on the functioning of the human mind. Especia lly, his theory of radical behaviorism discusses behavior as a function of environmental histories of reinforcing consequences. External environment has a strong impact on the shaping of human behavior. In this context, Skinner offers operant conditioning dealing with behavior modification the two core tools of which being ‘reinforcement’ and ‘punishment’. The character of Mickey in Basketball Diaries is a perfect