Preface

Chapter 8 **Cognitive Aging 143**

**VI** Contents

Díaz-García

Neyda Ma Mendoza-Ruvalcaba, Elva Dolores Arias-Merino, María Elena Flores-Villavicencio, Melina Rodríguez-Díaz and Irma Fabiola

**Impairment No Dementia: A Focus on Constructive and**

Chapter 9 **Differentiating Normal Cognitive Aging from Cognitive**

Chapter 10 **Neurocognitive Implications of Tangential Speech in Patients**

Chapter 11 **Decision-Making Experiences and Patterns in Residential Care Homes for Older Residents, Family Members and Care**

Chapter 12 **Role of Nutraceuticals in Modulation of Gut-Brain Axis in**

Ana-Maria Enciu, Elena Codrici, Simona Mihai, Emilia Manole, Sevinci Pop, Eleonora Codorean, Cristina Mariana Niculite, Laura Necula, Isabela Tarcomnicu, Elvira Gille and Cristiana Pistol Tanase

**Visuospatial Abilities 167** Radka Ivanova Massaldjieva

**with Focal Brain Damage 191**

Nora Silvana Vigliecca

**Elderly Persons 247**

**Providers 221** Lisa Pau Le Low Aging is commonly defined as the accumulation of diverse deleterious changes occurring in cells and tissues with advancing age that are responsible for the increased risk of disease and death. The immediate consequence of the extended life expectancy is represented by the in‐ creasing number of older people in developed countries. Between 2015 and 2050, worldwide population is expected to increase from 900 million to 2 billion people over the age of 60 years.

Older adults may experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty, dementia, or other health problems or experience events such as bereavement or a drop in socioeconomic sta‐ tus with retirement. All of these factors can result in isolation, loneliness, or psychological distress for which they may require long-term care increasing the social costs.

Several steps forward on the understanding of the aging process have been done, but fur‐ ther studies are still needed. In particular, it is important to clarify at what extent and at what price the aging process can be limited or reversed. The biogerontologists have empha‐ sized that the goal of research on aging is not to increase human longevity regardless of the consequences but to increase active longevity free from disability and functional depend‐ ence. Then, aging well and actively is the real objective of human being.

This book is an up-to-date and realistic view on physiopathological mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases. The book includes topical contributions from multiple disciplines to support the fundamental goals of extending active life and enhancing its quality.

**Grazia D'Onofrio, Daniele Sancarlo and Antonio Greco**

Complex Unit of Geriatrics Department of Medical Sciences IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy

**Section 1**

**Aging Process**

**Section 1**
