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As people age, their brain and nervous system go through natural changes. The brain and spinal cord lose nerve cells and weight. Nerve cells may begin to transmit messages more slowly than in the past. Waste products can collect in the brain tissue as nerve cells break down, causing abnormal structures called plaques and tangles to form. A fatty brown pigment (lipofuscin) can also build up in nerve tissue.
The breakdown of nerves can affect the senses. You might have reduced or lost reflexes or sensation, leading to problems with movement and safety.
Some slight slowing of thought, memory, and thinking seems to be a normal part of aging. Although these changes are natural, many people have misconceptions about the type and extent of these changes. A common myth is that all elderly people become senile. Or, many people blame increased confusion on "getting old" when it may really be caused by an illness.
These changes are not the same in everyone. Some people have many physical changes in their nerves and brain tissue, others have few changes. Some people will have atrophy and plaques, some will have plaques and tangles, and some will have other changes.
Furthermore, these changes are not always clearly related to their effects on your ability to think. For example, plaques and tangles are associated with Alzheimer's disease, but some people with the most severe symptoms have fewer plaques and tangles than those who have mild or moderate symptoms.
NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS IN THE ELDERLY
Dementia and severe memory loss are NOT normal processes of aging. They can be caused by degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Delirium can complicate dementia, but is often due to illnesses that are not related to the brain, which can also cause changes in thinking and behavior. For example, almost any infection can cause an older person to become severely confused.
Poorly controlled blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with diabetes is another common cause of temporary difficulties with thinking and behavior. Rising and falling glucose levels can interfere with thought.
Discuss any significant changes in memory, thought, or ability to perform a task with your health care provider, especially if these symptoms occur suddenly or along with other symptoms. A change in thinking, memory, or behavior is important if it is different from your normal patterns or it affects your lifestyle.
PREVENTION
There is some evidence that both physical and mental exercise can help maintain thinking abilities. Reading, doing crossword puzzles, and engaging in stimulating conversations -- as well as ordinary physical exercise -- may all help keep your brain as sharp as possible. Such strategies have not been proven, however.
See also:
ReferencesKnopman DS. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 425.
Minaker KL. Common clinical sequelae of aging. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 23.
What else can I help you with?
What happens to the Nervous System as you age?
Aging produces various structural and functional changes in the nervous system, including: reduction in brain size and weight, reduction in number of neurons, decrease in blood flow to brain, changes in synaptic organization of the brain, and intercellular and extracellular changes in CNS neurons.
Aging affects the function of all body systems.true or false?
True. Aging can lead to changes in the function of all body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. These changes can include a decline in organ function, reduced capacity for physical activity, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
What is the immunological theory of aging?
The immunological theory of aging suggests that aging is linked to changes in the immune system, such as decreased effectiveness of immune responses and increased inflammation. As we age, our immune system becomes less efficient at recognizing and fighting off infections, leading to a higher risk of illness and disease. This theory highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system through lifestyle choices like exercise and nutrition.
What tissue changes is not commonly found in an aging body?
Changes such as increased muscle mass and improved immune function are not commonly found in an aging body.
What changes occur with aging in the musculo-skeletal system?
With aging, there is a decrease in bone density which can lead to osteoporosis, as well as a decrease in muscle mass and strength known as sarcopenia. Joints may also experience wear and tear, leading to conditions like arthritis. Overall, these changes can result in decreased mobility and increased risk of fractures or falls.
What system senses changes in the internal and external environment so that the body can adapt to the changes?
The nervous system.
What effect does aging have on nervous system?
You might get slower reactions.
The usual cause of decreasing efficiency of the nervous system as a whole is?
aging
What is the usual cause of decreasing efficiency of the nervous system as a whole?
The usual cause of decreasing efficiency of the nervous system as a whole is aging. As we age, the speed of nerve conduction slows down, and the overall function of the nervous system declines. Factors such as neurodegenerative diseases and lifestyle habits can also contribute to a decrease in nervous system efficiency.
Which system coordinates the body response to changes in its internal and external environment?
The nervous system coordinates the body's response to changes in the internal and external environments The sense organs are part of the peripheral nervous system..
What happens to the Nervous System as you age?
Aging produces various structural and functional changes in the nervous system, including: reduction in brain size and weight, reduction in number of neurons, decrease in blood flow to brain, changes in synaptic organization of the brain, and intercellular and extracellular changes in CNS neurons.
What organ system detects environmental changes?
The nervous system.
Changes that activate the nervous system?
Stimuli
What tissue transmits electrical signals?
neurons
What system senses changes in the internal and external environment so that the body can adapt to the changes.?
The nervous system.
What are the normal changes of aging male reproductive system?
i don t know
What nervous system allows us to respond to the external environment?
i believe it is the "Somatic" Nervous System. Since the Somatic is Voluntary and all. The Somatic is the part of the Nervous System that is responsible for consciousness movement and action. However, some systems in the Somatic are still involuntary, like reflexes. The Somatic Nervous System is part of the Peripheral Nervous System.
