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Chapter 8 - Aging-Related Alterations in Language

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 November 2019

By
Stephen E. Nadeau
Edited by
Kenneth M. Heilman  and
Stephen E. Nadeau
Kenneth M. Heilman
Affiliation:
University of Florida
Stephen E. Nadeau
Affiliation:
University of Florida
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Summary

Aging is associated with decline in a number of domains of language function, most conspicuously lexical-semantic function (manifesting as word-finding difficulty), but also semantics, phonological sequence, grammatic morphology, language comprehension, syntax (so far linked only to working memory deficits), and narrative discourse. There is evidence of a number of non-disease-related mechanisms that could account for this, including increased neural network noise, age of acquisition effects, deterioration of mechanisms of selective neural network engagement, deterioration in episodic memory, alteration of the balance between volitional and reactive intention, lifelong ontogenesis of language networks, and reduction of white matter conduction velocities.

Keywords

aginglanguage functionnamingsemantic neighborhood densityphonologic neighborhood densityage of acquisitionneural networkattractor basinsintentionlanguage ontogenesis
Type
Chapter
Information
Cognitive Changes and the Aging Brain , pp. 106 - 126
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2019

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