Introduction
Age causes substantial changes in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system. These alterations can have an impact on one’s ability to think, move, and feel. The brain and spinal cord undergo weight loss and size reductions as they age. Memory and other cognitive abilities, such as attention and planning, may suffer as a result (MedlinePlus, 2022).
The hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory consolidation, can become smaller as a result of dementia, making it harder to develop new memories (Elsevier Inc., 2019). The number of neurons in the brain, especially in the prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain responsible for making decisions and solving problems), decreases with age. As a result, you may find it harder to digest information quickly and switch between tasks.
Peripheral Nervous System Changes
Age-related changes also affect the peripheral nervous system, which consists of nerves not connected to the brain or spinal cord. Mobility and sensory perception may be affected by these changes, and a loss of muscle mass and strength is a common sign (Elsevier Inc., 2019). Reduced mobility and a higher risk of falling can arise from this. Additionally, fewer muscle fibers are present, which lowers the tone and flexibility of the muscles (MedlinePlus, 2022).
Another alteration in the peripheral nervous system that may lessen sensitivity to touch and temperature changes is a decrease in the number of sensory receptors in the skin. Due to this, there is a higher risk of burns and other harm.
Analysis
Both delirium and dementia are neurological conditions that can seriously affect a person’s cognitive and functional abilities. Although they have some similarities, they are different illnesses with unique causes, signs, and methods of care (Gogia & Fang, 2023). Alzheimer’s disease, often known as dementia, is a chronic, degenerative brain disorder characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities like memory, communication, and problem-solving skills. It is a wide word used to cover a variety of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, among others.
Damage to brain cells and their connections is the primary cause of dementia, which can be caused by a variety of reasons, including age-related changes, hereditary factors, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol misuse, and a sedentary lifestyle. Dementia symptoms often appear gradually over time and include memory loss, difficulties speaking, confusion, and motor function issues.
Delirium, on the other hand, is a transient disruption in awareness and attention that is followed by alterations in cognition, perception, and behavior. It is a medical emergency that must be addressed immediately since it can lead to significant consequences such as falls, accidents, and even death (Gogia & Fang, 2023). Delirium can be induced by a variety of causes, including infections, dehydration, pharmaceutical side effects, and drug or alcohol withdrawal. Delirium symptoms typically appear fast and include disorientation, agitation, hallucinations, and abrupt changes in mood and behavior.
Conclusion
While both illnesses can cause cognitive impairment and interfere with everyday functioning, the fundamental distinction between them is their onset and persistence. Unlike delirium, which typically arises rapidly and goes away after the underlying cause is treated, dementia is a chronic ailment that takes time to develop (Gogia & Fang, 2023). Dementia causes are typically linked to environmental or medical factors, whereas physical abnormalities in the brain mostly bring on delirium.
References
Aging changes in the nervous system. (2022). MedlinePlus. Web.
Elsevier Inc. (2019). Chapter 24 – Cognitive and neurologic function [PowerPoint slides]
Gogia B, Fang X. Differentiating Delirium versus dementia in the elderly. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; Web.