What effect does aging have on the nervous system? • hello healthy

The aging process that will be experienced will affect the shape and function of the body, including the nervous system. However, getting older doesn't mean the same as being sick. For that, know what will happen to the body when you are aging so you can optimize your health. So, what are the effects of aging on the nervous system and how can you minimize their effects? Let's look at the following explanation.

Changes in body shape and function in general

Before understanding the effects of aging on the nervous system, you should know the effects of aging on body shape and function in general.

Based on the data, if a person reaches the age of eighty, there will be changes in the shape and function of the body as follows.

• Male body weight is reduced by 12%.
• The body's metabolic rate decreased by 16%.
• Number of taste buds (taste buds) on the tongue reduced by 64%.
• Hand grip strength decreased by 45%.
• The pumping power of the heart decreases by 35%.
• The ability of the kidneys to hydrate blood decreased by 31%.
• The brain weight is reduced by 10-15%.
• Blood flow to the brain decreases by 20%.
• The number of nerve fibers was reduced by 37%.
• Nerve conduction velocity decreased by 10%.

What are the effects of aging on the nervous system?

In a cognitive test conducted, the effect of aging on the nervous system of women was lighter than that of men. Some of the nervous system changes that occur as a result of aging are common, such as:

• Decreased visual acuity.
• Hearing loss to deafness (presbycusis), especially in high pitched sounds. It also interferes with the speech function.
• The ability to judge smells and tastes is reduced.
• Reduced speed and amount of motor activity, reaction speed, balance, agility, and muscle strength.
• Changes in tendon reflexes, particularly in the ankles and knees.
• Disturbance of feeling vibrations, especially in the feet.
• Changes in body position and posture as well as gait which results in easy falls.
• Change in sleep schedule and awareness.
• It is difficult to assess stimulation of the skin and stimulation of urination.

Effects of aging on memory and cognitive function

Decline in memory and other cognitive functions begins at age thirty and continues with age. The effects of aging on the nervous system are most evident in the ability to remember, learn, receive and process information, and solve problems. The terms memory impairment and other cognitive functions are called Minimal Cognitive Impairment .

Minimal Cognitive Impairment (MCI), although it is a risk factor for dementia, is certainly different from dementia itself. In MCI, memory decline and cognitive function do not deteriorate in a short period of time and do not interfere with daily activities, so that people who experience them can still work and perform their functions properly.

Various activities related to increasing intelligence and working regularly can help prevent worsening of MCI.

To assess whether someone has MCI, you can consult a doctor, so that a test can be done, i.e. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). In the MMSE, the points that will be assessed are orientation, attention, memory, language, and the ability to judge objects and spaces.

In contrast to MCI, dementia and delirium are not normal causes of aging. Dementia is the loss of brain function caused by diseases that attack the brain, such as Alzheimer's, stroke and brain injury. Delirium is a sudden disturbance of consciousness.

In delirium, the patient experiences confusion, resulting in changes in thinking and behavior. Usually, delirium is caused by a disease not directly related to the brain, such as an infection, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, or medications.

Effects of aging of the nervous system on personality

The effects of aging on the nervous system can result in personality changes. Unlike cognitive function, these personality changes are difficult to measure, but disturb parents and those around them. Have you ever felt it?

Older people often say things over and over again, become more selfish, stiff, and have difficulty accepting other people's opinions. They become more careful and less confident.

How to help people with nervous system disorders due to aging?

If your parents or family members have experienced nervous system disorders as a result of aging, you can help them with several things, such as:

• Look for what the patient needs and pay attention to those needs.
• If needed, provide assistance in carrying out daily activities.
• Inviting patients to do useful activities, such as reading, discussing or exercising for the elderly.
• Consult with your doctor about the patient's health progress, especially if there is a sudden change in consciousness.

Tips for maintaining a healthy nervous system

To maintain the quality of life in old age and avoid the various effects of aging on the nervous system, here are some tips that you can do from a young age.

• Regular sleep patterns.
• Regular diet and eating foods containing omega-3.
• Try not to experience excessive stress, such as taking short breaks, meditating, and hanging out with family and friends.
• Get regular exercise.
• Read diligently.
• Fill in the crossword puzzle.
• Active discussion with other people.

Aging cannot be prevented, but you can regulate the aging process healthy aging , namely aging and staying healthy.

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