MODULE SUPPLEMENT: NEUROLOGICAL SYSTEM
Neurotrophic Growth Factors

One theory relates to neurotrophic growth factors (Cotman & Neeper, 1996; Mattson, 1999). The hypothesis is that activity, such as exercise, would increase the expression of neurotrophic growth factors which would then promote the growth and maintenance of the neuron which in turn would increase the vitality of the behavioral system that initially activated the sequence--thus perpetuating the behavior as well as continued neuron growth and maintenance.

This concept supports the importance of continued activity and brain stimulation to maintain key linkages and healthy cells.

Unfortunately, cells do not always remain healthy as they age.

Complete this case study and check your answer by clicking on one of the answers below.

Mr. Jones is brought to the clinic by his son because of "memory problems". The son notes that Mr. Jones, a 78 year old retired chemical engineer, has been having difficulty balancing his checkbook and remembering recent events. Mr. Jones denies that he's having problems, noting that he's 78 and that he remembers very well for his age. During your assessment, Mr. Jones scores 3/15 on the Geriatric Depression Scale and 22/30 on the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination).