- 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.
**500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources
Turnitreport needed
Neurological Changes Associated with Aging, Delirium, and Dementia
Aging is associated with significant structural and functional changes in both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). These neurological transformations can influence cognition, coordination, sensory perception, and memory. Understanding these changes is vital for early recognition and management of age-related neurological disorders, including delirium and dementia.
The central nervous system, composed of the brain and spinal cord, undergoes various changes with age. Brain weight and volume decline due to neuronal shrinkage and death, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes, which are responsible for memory, learning, and executive functions (Hou et al., 2019). There is also a reduction in cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter production, including dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. These biochemical shifts can impair synaptic transmission and contribute to slower cognitive processing, reduced short-term memory, and decreased attention span in older adults (Fjell & Walhovd, 2010).
In the peripheral nervous system, aging leads to the loss of myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers, resulting in decreased nerve conduction velocity. Sensory changes such as reduced vibration and touch sensation, proprioception, and reflexes are common. These deficits can increase the risk of falls, impair balance, and affect mobility (Seals et al., 2016). Additionally, autonomic nervous system changes may reduce thermoregulation and cardiovascular responsiveness, contributing to orthostatic hypotension and decreased adaptability to stressors.
Two common cognitive disorders among older adults are delirium and dementia. Though they share some overlapping symptoms, they differ significantly in onset, progression, and underlying etiology.
Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention, awareness, and cognition that develops over a short period, usually hours to days. It is often reversible and triggered by an underlying medical condition such as infection, medication side effects, dehydration, or surgery. Delirium typically features disorganized thinking, hallucinations, and fluctuating levels of consciousness (Inouye et al., 2014).
Dementia, in contrast, is a chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily living. It is irreversible and caused by neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementia. Symptoms include memory loss, impaired judgment, language difficulties, and personality changes (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024).
Despite some shared symptoms, delirium and dementia differ in onset (acute vs. gradual), duration (short-term vs. long-term), and reversibility (often reversible vs. irreversible). However, older adults with dementia are at a higher risk of developing delirium, especially during hospitalization.
In conclusion, aging brings physiological changes to both the CNS and PNS, affecting cognitive and motor functions. Recognizing the differences between delirium and dementia is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Clinicians must remain vigilant in distinguishing these conditions, as prompt management of delirium can improve outcomes, while dementia requires long-term supportive care.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 2024 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf
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. https://doi.org/10.1515/revneuro.2010.21.3.187
Hou, Y., Dan, X., Babbar, M., Wei, Y., Hasselbalch, S. G., Croteau, D. L., & Bohr, V. A. (2019). Ageing as a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease. Nature Reviews Neurology, 15(10), 565–581. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-019-0244-7
Inouye, S. K., Westendorp, R. G., & Saczynski, J. S. (2014). Delirium in elderly people. The Lancet, 383(9920), 911–922. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60688-1
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