Introduction
The nervous system is one of the most critical and complex systems in the human body. It is responsible for coordinating, regulating, and controlling all organs and functions in the body. However, with age, specific changes in the nervous system can affect its function and performance. In this paper, it is essential to examine the primary changes that occur in the central and peripheral nervous systems with age, as well as to define delirium and dementia, highlighting their potential similarities and differences.
Physical Aging Signs
The process of aging is associated with specific physical changes in the work of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The central nervous system (CNS) comprises the brain and the spinal cord. With age, the brain begins to shrink in size and volume, and its structure and function change. As people age, they typically experience a decrease in gray matter in the brain, which can lead to problems with memory, focus, and concentration, as well as a narrowing of their field of vision (Huseyn, 2021).
In addition, there is a decrease in the amount of white matter in the brain that transmits information between different parts of the brain. This can lead to disruption of movement coordination and balance. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all nerves and nerve endings that are located outside the CNS. With age, the PNS also changes. One of these processes is reducing the number of nerve fibers and their diameter. This can lead to reduced sensitivity and reduced coordination of movements. These changes in systems are rather difficult to prevent.
Age-Related Disorders
Delirium and dementia are the two most common disorders related to age and changes in the nervous system. Both of these disorders are associated with cognitive impairment. They can lead to a significant deterioration in the quality of life of older persons. Delirium is the abrupt and rapid impairment of cognitive function that occurs as a result of illnesses or intoxication. It is characterized by a change in the level of consciousness, impaired attention, orientation, and memory. Having delirium, patients often express delusional ideas and may also experience hallucinations (Fong & Inouye, 2022). Delirium can be provoked by infection, trauma, medical procedures, or other factors, and typically is a transient and reversible condition.
In contrast, dementia is a progressive, irreversible decline in cognitive abilities. It is characterized by a gradual decline in memory, deterioration of mental abilities, and changes in personality. Dementia is usually caused by brain atrophy or cerebrovascular diseases, such as strokes, and can lead to a significant deterioration in the patient’s quality of life and autonomy (Fong & Inouye, 2022). Thus, both disorders are associated with cognitive impairment and can lead to changes in patients’ behavior and mood, but delirium is usually temporary and reversible, while dementia is a progressive and irreversible disorder.
Conclusion
Overall, with age, changes occur in the nervous system that can impact its function and performance. The CNS decreases in size and volume, which can lead to reduced cognitive functions. The PNS can experience alterations that can result in decreased sensitivity and uncoordinated movements. Delirium and dementia are two neurological conditions commonly associated with the aging process. Both these illnesses can bring about cognitive issues; however, delirium is transient and can be reversed, while dementia is progressive and incurable. Although the causes of delirium and dementia are different, these disorders are serious problems for older persons and require serious attention and medical care.
References
Fong, T. G., & Inouye, S. K. (2022). The inter-relationship between delirium and dementia: the importance of delirium prevention. Nature Reviews Neurology, 18(10), 579-596. Web.
Huseyn, E. (2021). Examining neurological and neurodegenerative disorders related to aging and the elderly. International Trends in Science and Technology, 4, 27-32. Web.