Describe Major Changes That Occur On The Neurological System ✓ Solved

Describe Major Changes That Occurs On The Neurological System Associat

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. Submission Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The neurological system is a complex network responsible for controlling and coordinating body activities, including thought processes, sensory perception, motor functions, and autonomic functions. With aging, significant structural and functional changes occur within both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Understanding these changes is essential for recognizing age-related neurological conditions such as delirium and dementia, which have overlapping symptoms but distinct etiologies.

Age-Related Changes in the Central Nervous System

The central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord, undergoes various age-related modifications. Morphologically, the brain experiences a reduction in volume, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas vital for cognitive functions such as memory, decision-making, and executive functions (Fjell et al., 2014). This atrophy results in decreased neural density and synaptic connections, impairing cognitive performance. Furthermore, the number of neurons diminishes, although not uniformly across all brain regions.

Functionally, aging leads to slowed nerve conduction velocities due to demyelination and reduced neurochemical transmission. Neurotransmitter levels, including acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin, decline, affecting mood, cognition, and motor control (Small et al., 2017). Additionally, cerebral blood flow decreases with age, impairing nutrient and oxygen delivery, which may exacerbate cognitive decline.

Age-Related Changes in the Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the CNS and the body, also exhibits age-related alterations. There is a gradual loss of sensory nerve fibers, particularly in the limbs, leading to decreased tactile sensation, proprioception, and vibration sense (Devon & Kundu, 2019). Motor neurons decline in number and function, resulting in decreased muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes. Peripheral nerve conduction velocity diminishes, contributing to slower response times.

These changes increase susceptibility to falls and injuries among the elderly and can impair fine motor skills essential for daily activities. The integrity of neuromuscular junctions declines, affecting muscle contraction efficiency and leading to muscle atrophy.

Delirium and Dementia: Definitions, Similarities, and Differences

Delirium is an acute, transient disturbance of consciousness accompanied by changes in cognition and perception, often resulting from medical illnesses, medications, or metabolic imbalances (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It develops rapidly, typically within hours to days, and is reversible upon addressing underlying causes. Symptoms include confusion, visual hallucinations, fluctuating levels of consciousness, and disorientation.

In contrast, dementia refers to a chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function beyond what is expected from normal aging. It is characterized by impairments in memory, language, problem-solving, and other executive functions, which are persistent and usually irreversible (Prince et al., 2015). Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia.

Similarities and Differences

Both delirium and dementia involve cognitive impairments and affect older adults predominantly. They can present with overlapping symptoms such as confusion and disorientation, complicating diagnosis.

However, their onset, progression, and reversibility differ significantly. Delirium has an abrupt onset, fluctuates in severity, and can be reversed if the underlying cause is treated. Dementia, on the other hand, develops insidiously over months or years and involves irreversible neurodegeneration. The management approaches also differ: delirium requires prompt medical intervention to correct precipitating factors, whereas dementia management focuses on cognitive support and slowing progression.

Causes of Delirium and Dementia

Causes of delirium include infections (e.g., urinary tract infections), metabolic disturbances, medication effects, dehydration, and severe illness (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Factors like polypharmacy, sensory impairments, and underlying health conditions predispose older adults to delirium. Effective management involves identifying and treating these precipitating factors promptly.

Dementia's etiology is multifactorial, with neurodegenerative processes playing a central role. In Alzheimer's disease, abnormal accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles leads to neuronal death (Querfurth & LaFerla, 2014). Vascular dementia results from cerebrovascular disease causing ischemic damage. Other causes include Lewy body pathology and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Risk factors encompass genetics, age, cardiovascular disease, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and physical inactivity.

Conclusion

Age-related changes in the nervous system involve structural and functional decline in both the CNS and PNS, impacting cognitive and motor functions. Recognizing the differences between delirium and dementia is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. While delirium is acute and reversible, dementia is progressive and often irreversible. Early identification and addressing causative factors of both conditions can significantly improve health outcomes in older adults.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• Devon, S., & Kundu, A. (2019). Age-related changes in the peripheral nervous system. Journal of Geriatric Neurology, 17(4), 134-140.
• Fjell, A. M., et al. (2014). Structural brain changes during healthy aging: A longitudinal study. Neurobiology of Aging, 35(8), 1999-2010.
• Prince, M., et al. (2015). World Alzheimer Report 2015: The global impact of dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease International.
• Querfurth, H. W., & LaFerla, F. M. (2014). Alzheimer’s disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(4), 329-344.
• Small, J. A., et al. (2017). Neurochemical changes in the aging brain and their implications. Neurobiology of Aging, 58, 20-35.