Changes that occurs on the neurological system associated to age.

Describe major changes that occurs on the neurological system associated to age. Include changes on central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
Define delirium and dementia, specified similarities and differences and describe causes for each one. +400 words

Sample Solution

The neurological system is a complex network of nerves and nerve cells that make up the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). As people age, their neurological systems undergo significant changes. These changes can affect coordination, balance, sensory perception, motor control, cognition, communication skills and emotions.

Central Nervous System Changes: The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord. As we age there are several physical changes that occur in the brain resulting in slower processing speeds, decreased executive functioning abilities such as planning or decision making skills and cognitive decline. Furthermore older adults have an increased risk for stroke which can cause movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease or dementia. Additionally aging affects the spine by causing narrowing of spaces between vertebrae leading to osteoarthritis -which results in pain when moving- as well as degenerative disc diseases like herniated discs which also cause pain due to pressure on nerves within the spinal column.

Peripheral Nervous System Changes: The PNS includes all nerves outside of the brain and spine including those connected to organs such as skin or muscles for example responding to touch sensations or movement commands from our brains respectively. With age this system also undergoes substantial changes with a decrease in sensory perception primarily related to vision and hearing but also taste/smell sensitivity. Motor ability is also affected with decreases in dexterity meaning less precise movements because reaction times are slower due to poor muscle strength/coordination while reflexes too become weaker thus increasing falls among elderly persons.

Delirium & Dementia: Delirium is an acute mental state caused by underlying medical issues characterized by confusion; disorientation; agitation; restlessness; hallucinations; delusions; difficulty focusing attention; rapid mood swings accompanied by emotional instability & impaired judgement whereas Dementia comprises global cognitive impairment characterized typically by memory deficits along with other executive functions like problem solving/decision making abilities plus language & visuospatial deficits associated with damage of specific areas within the brain from diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Vascular Dementia etc.. Both delirium & dementia often coexist although it should be noted that delirium usually involves sudden onset over days versus months seen with dementia while determining causes tend towards acute illness (infections); medications side effects (anticholinergics); metabolic disturbances (hypoxemia i.e not enough oxygen); substance use disorder withdrawal symptoms; severe dehydration etc… on one hand then structural pathologies (encephalitis), vascular pathology(stroke), neurodegenerative processes(Alzheimer’s) ; nutritional deficiencies ets…on another when considering dementia specifically .

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