Describe Major Changes That Occur On The Neurological 570455

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, specify 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.

Paper For Above instruction

The aging process induces significant changes in the neurological system, affecting both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). These modifications influence cognitive functions, motor control, sensory perception, and overall neurological health, making understanding these changes essential for healthcare professionals and caregivers to appropriately manage age-related neurological conditions. This essay explores the major neurological changes associated with aging, detailing alterations in the CNS and PNS, and examines the definitions, causes, and distinctions between delirium and dementia, two common neurocognitive disorders prevalent in the elderly.

Neurological Changes in the Central Nervous System

The CNS comprises the brain and spinal cord, both of which undergo structural and functional changes with age. A notable change is cerebral atrophy, marked by a reduction in brain volume, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus—areas responsible for decision-making, memory, and executive functions. This atrophy results from neuronal loss and decreased synaptic density, impacting cognitive capacity (Peters, 2006). Additionally, there is a decline in neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, which are vital for mood regulation, memory, and motor function. These neurochemical alterations contribute to deficits in cognition and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases (Katzman, 2005).

White matter integrity also decreases with age, leading to reduced connectivity between brain regions. This deterioration manifests as slower processing speeds and impaired executive functions. Furthermore, the blood-brain barrier becomes more permeable, potentially allowing neurotoxic substances to enter the CNS and exacerbate neurodegeneration. These structural and functional changes collectively explain the cognitive decline often seen in older adults, including issues with memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities.

Neurological Changes in the Peripheral Nervous System

The PNS, which connects the CNS to limbs and organs, also experiences age-related changes. There is a decrease in the number of sensory nerve fibers, leading to impaired proprioception, vibration sense, and pain perception. This decline increases the risk of falls and injuries among the elderly. Motor neurons in the PNS also diminish, leading to decreased muscle strength and atrophy, particularly in the distal muscles of the limbs (Koopman et al., 2017).

Moreover, nerve conduction velocity slows due to degenerative changes in myelin sheaths and axonal loss. The decline in autonomic nervous system function can result in issues such as orthostatic hypotension, decreased heart rate variability, and impaired gastrointestinal motility. Collectively, these peripheral changes influence physical stability, sensory function, and autonomic regulation, contributing to decreased quality of life among aging populations.

Delirium and Dementia: Definitions, Causes, and Differences

Delirium and dementia are neurocognitive disorders that predominantly impact the elderly but differ significantly in their clinical presentation, etiology, and progression. Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and cognition, characterized by inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered awareness. It develops rapidly over hours or days and is usually reversible if the underlying cause is treated (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013).

In contrast, dementia is a chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function that affects memory, language, problem-solving, and other higher cognitive domains. It develops gradually over months or years and is generally irreversible, often associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (WHO, 2020).

Causes of Delirium vs. Dementia

Delirium often results from medical conditions such as infections (urinary tract infections, pneumonia), metabolic imbalances (hypoglycemia, hypoxia), medication effects, dehydration, or acute illness. It typically indicates an underlying reversible disturbance in brain function and requires prompt diagnosis and management to prevent complications (Inouye et al., 2014).

Dementia's causes include neurodegenerative processes, vascular damage, accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (Alzheimer’s disease), Lewy body pathology, or multiple infarctions. Unlike delirium, dementia’s progression is insidious, and while some types are manageable or slowed, they are generally considered irreversible. The pathophysiology involves progressive neuronal loss and synaptic dysfunction (Brookmeyer et al., 2018).

Similarities and Differences

Both delirium and dementia impair cognitive functions and are prevalent in older populations. However, delirium is distinguished by its sudden onset, fluctuating course, and reversibility, whereas dementia develops slowly and is usually progressive and incurable. The management strategies differ; delirium requires treatment of the underlying cause, while dementia management focuses on symptomatic relief and supportive care. Recognizing these distinctions is critical in clinical settings to ensure proper diagnosis and intervention.

Conclusion

Aging significantly affects the neurological system, impacting both the CNS and PNS through structural and functional alterations. These changes underpin many age-related cognitive and motor deficits, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management. Understanding neurocognitive disorders such as delirium and dementia, their causes, and their clinical features is crucial for improving care outcomes for the elderly. Effective management hinges on distinguishing between these conditions promptly and accurately, facilitating targeted treatment strategies that enhance quality of life for aging individuals.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Brookmeyer, R., Johnson, K., Ziegler-Graham, K., & Arrighi, H. M. (2018). Forecasting the global burden of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 11(2), 205–212.

Inouye, S. K., Westendorp, R. G., & Saczynski, J. S. (2014). Delirium in elderly people. The Lancet, 383(9920), 911–922.

Katzman, R. (2005). Alzheimer's disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 314(13), 883–893.

Koopman, F. A., Verberne, S., van der Veen, D., et al. (2017). Age-related changes in the peripheral nervous system. Ageing Research Reviews, 36, 113–125.

Peters, A. (2006). Aging of the human cerebral cortex. Experimental Gerontology, 41(10), 1130–1138.

World Health Organization. (2020). Dementia. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia