Major changes that occurs on the neurological system associated to age.

Full Answer Section

      Central Nervous System (CNS):

• Brain Shrinkage:The brain naturally loses some mass with age. This can affect memory, processing speed, and executive function (planning, decision-making).
• Neuron Loss:Neurons, the communication cells of the nervous system, gradually decline in number. This can contribute to cognitive decline and decreased reaction time.
• Reduced Neurotransmitters:Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow neurons to communicate. A decrease in production of certain neurotransmitters, like acetylcholine and dopamine, can impact memory, mood, and movement.
• White Matter Changes:White matter, composed of fatty insulating material, helps nerve impulses travel efficiently. Age-related changes in white matter can lead to slower information processing and coordination issues.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):

• Sensory Decline:Vision, hearing, taste, and smell can all diminish with age. This can be due to changes in sensory organs themselves, reduced nerve conduction velocity, or altered processing in the brain.
• Slower Reflexes:Reflexes, like the knee jerk, rely on efficient communication between nerves and muscles. Slower nerve conduction in the PNS can lead to delayed or weakened reflexes.
• Peripheral Neuropathy:This condition involves damage to peripheral nerves, causing symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain, particularly in the hands and feet.
• Balance Problems:Degeneration of nerves and decreased sensation in the feet can contribute to balance difficulties and an increased risk of falls.

Impact of these Changes: These age-related changes can manifest in various ways:

• Cognitive decline:Memory lapses, difficulty learning new things, slower thinking.
• Movement problems:Tremors, decreased coordination, slower reaction time.
• Sensory issues:Difficulty seeing, hearing, tasting, or smelling.
• Balance problems:Increased risk of falls.

Important to Note:

• The rate and severity of these changes vary greatly between individuals.
• A healthy lifestyle can help mitigate some age-related decline in the nervous system.
• Early detection and management of underlying health conditions can also play a role.

By understanding these changes, we can appreciate the importance of brain health throughout life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation can help support optimal nervous system function as we age.  

Sample Answer

   

The Aging Nervous System: A Slower Symphony

The human nervous system, a complex network of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, undergoes several changes as we age. These changes can have a subtle or significant impact on our cognitive function, coordination, and sensory perception. Let's delve into the major alterations in both the central and peripheral nervous systems: