Paul M. Insel,
Stanford University School of Medicine
Walton T. Roth,
Stanford University School of Medicine
| fluid intelligence | The ability to develop a solution when confronted with a new problem.
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| presbyopia | The inability of the eyes to focus sharply on nearby objects, caused by a loss of elasticity of the lens that occurs with advancing age.
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| cataracts | Opacity of the lens of the eye that impairs vision and can cause blindness.
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| osteoporosis | The loss of bone density, causing bones to become weak, porous, and more prone to fractures.
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| *glaucoma | A disease in which fluid inside the eye is under abnormally high pressure; can lead to loss of peripheral vision.
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| arthritis | Inflammation of a joint or joints, causing pain and swelling.
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| dementia | Deterioration of mental functioning (including memory, concentration, and judgment) resulting from a brain disorder; often accompanied by emotional disturbances and personality changes.
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| Alzheimer's disease | A disease characterized by a progressive loss of mental functioning (dementia), caused by a degeneration of brain cells.
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| life expectancy | The average length of time a person is expected to live.
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| Life span | A theoretically projected length of life based on the maximum potential of the human body in the best environment.
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| Social Security | A government program that provides financial assistance to people who are unemployed, disabled, or retired (and over a certain age); financed through taxes on business and workers.
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| gerontologist | One who studies the biological, psychological, and social phenomena associated with aging and old age.
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| geriatrician | A physician specializing in the diseases, disabilities, and care of older adults.
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| life-support systems | Medical technologies, such as the artificial respirator, used to keep alive patients who would otherwise die.
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| Parkinson's disease | A neurological disorder caused by a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Symptoms include muscle rigidity, tremors, and difficulty walking.
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| macular degeneration | A deterioration of the macula (the central area of the retina) leading to blurred vision and sensitivity to glare; some cases can lead to blindness.
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education