Neurological System After Studying Module 6 Lecture Material

Neurological Systemafter Studyingmodule 6 Lecture Materials Resourc

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.

Paper For Above instruction

The neurological system undergoes significant changes with aging, impacting both the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Understanding these alterations is crucial for healthcare professionals to distinguish between normal aging processes and pathological conditions such as delirium and dementia. This paper discusses the major age-related changes in the neurological system, defines delirium and dementia, compares their similarities and differences, and explores their respective causes.

Age-Related Changes in the Neurological System

The aging brain experiences numerous structural and functional changes that can influence cognitive and motor functions. In the CNS, one of the most prominent changes is the reduction in brain volume, especially notable in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum (Fjell & Walhovd, 2010). This atrophy occurs due to neuronal loss, shrinkage of dendrites, and decreased synaptic density. Additionally, there is a decline in the number of neurons, although this varies across different brain regions and individuals (Peters, 2003). The decreased volume and neuronal loss contribute to slower processing speeds, reduced cognitive flexibility, and impairments in memory.

Neurochemical changes also occur with aging; for example, there is a decrease in neurotransmitter levels such as acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin (Shetty et al., 2016). These neurotransmitter alterations can affect mood, cognition, and motor control. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier becomes more permeable with age, which may increase susceptibility to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

The PNS also undergoes significant changes. There is a reduction in sensory receptor sensitivity, leading to diminished touch, pain, vibration, and proprioception awareness (Kalia & Lang, 2015). The number and function of peripheral nerves decline, resulting in slower nerve conduction velocities. Consequently, older adults often experience decreased reflex responses and weaker muscle strength, which can impair balance and coordination.

Delirium and Dementia: Definitions, Similarities, and Differences

Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in consciousness and cognition that develops over a short period, often hours to days (Inouye et al., 2014). It is characterized by confusion, disorientation, impaired attention, and hallucinations. Delirium is usually caused by an identifiable physiological or environmental factor, such as infections, medication side effects, metabolic disturbances, or hypoxia. It is considered a medical emergency that requires prompt identification and management, as it can be reversible with appropriate treatment.

Dementia, on the other hand, is a progressive, chronic decline in cognitive function, interfering with daily life and independence (Alzheimer's Association, 2023). Unlike delirium, dementia develops gradually over months or years and is characterized by memory loss, language difficulties, executive dysfunction, and personality changes. The most common form is Alzheimer’s disease, but others include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Similarities between delirium and dementia include cognitive impairment and behavioral changes, as well as their impact on quality of life. Both conditions are more prevalent among older adults and may coexist, complicating diagnosis and management.

Differences primarily lie in their onset, course, reversibility, and underlying causes. Delirium has an abrupt onset, fluctuates in severity, and can often be reversed once the underlying cause is treated. Dementia has a gradual onset, persistently declines over time, and is currently considered irreversible in most cases.

Causes of Delirium and Dementia

The causes of delirium are largely reversible and often stem from acute medical issues. Common causes include infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, pneumonia), metabolic imbalances (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyponatremia), medication effects or interactions, dehydration, and hypoxia from respiratory conditions.

In contrast, dementia is primarily due to neurodegenerative processes, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases (Prince et al., 2015). Pathologies include amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s, cerebrovascular damage in vascular dementia, and Lewy bodies in Lewy body dementia. Other contributing factors include genetic predisposition, vascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, and lifestyle choices.

Conclusion

The aging process brings about notable structural and functional changes in both the CNS and PNS, affecting motor, sensory, and cognitive functions. Recognizing normal aging changes helps differentiate them from pathological conditions or acute states like delirium and dementia. Delirium is an acute, often reversible disorder caused by systemic disturbances, while dementia represents a progressive and typically irreversible decline due to neurodegenerative processes. Proper diagnosis and management depend on understanding the distinct features and causes of these conditions to improve outcomes and quality of life for older adults.

References

Alzheimer's Association. (2023). Alzheimer’s disease fact sheet. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers

Fjell, A. M., & Walhovd, K. B. (2010). Structural brain changes in aging: Courses, causes and cognitive consequences. Reviews in the Neurosciences, 21(3), 187-221.

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

Kalia, L. V., & Lang, A. E. (2015). Parkinson’s disease. The Lancet, 386(9996), 896-912.

Peters, A. (2003). The effects of normal aging on myelin and nerve fibers: A review. Journal of Neurocytology, 32(8), 589-597.

Prince, M., Wimo, A., Guerchet, M., Ali, G. C., Wu, Y. T., & Prina, M. (2015). World Alzheimer Report 2015. The global impact of dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease International.

Shetty, A., Shaikh, R., & Gawali, A. (2016). Neurochemical changes in aging brain. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 48(2), 139-146.