迟暮之年的人脑及语言

借由讨论对老化的不同观点,以及随着神经元死亡、大脑失去再生神经回路的能力而引发的认知衰退，文章将概述人生迟暮之年的语言状况，并回顾主要基于西方研究、与老化和失智症相关的文献，尤其是轻度认知障碍和阿尔茨海默病。文章将进一步在大中华地区的文化、语言背景下探讨这些议题，因为这方面的研究较不为人所知。目前学界对于关乎学习和记忆的基因和分子基础,已有部分共识，特别是与关键期有关的研究。文章最后将提及当前在脑退化的及早诊断和干预上所做的努力。

This article provides an overview of language in the sunset years of life by discussing various views of ageing and the inevitable cognitive decline as neurons die and the brain loses its ability to regenerate neural circuits. The article also reviews global literature on the brain in ageing and dementia, especially mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) based primarily on Western research. It further discusses these issues with respect to the cultures and languages of the Greater China, of which much less is known. There has been some consensus on the relevant genes and the molecular bases for learning and remembering, especially with respect to critical periods. The article concludes with a discussion of current efforts in early diagnosis and intervention.