NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS IN THE ELDERLY

Dementia and severe memory loss are NOT normal processes of aging. They can be caused by degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Delirium can complicate dementia, but is often due to illnesses that are not related to the brain, which can also cause changes in thinking and behavior. For example, almost any infection can cause an older person to become severely confused. Certain medications can also cause this.

Poorly controlled blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with diabetes is another common cause of temporary difficulties with thinking and behavior. Rising and falling blood sugar levels can interfere with thought.

Discuss any significant changes in memory, thought, or ability to perform a task with your health care provider, especially if these symptoms occur suddenly or along with other symptoms. A change in thinking, memory, or behavior is important if it is different from your normal patterns or it affects your lifestyle.

PREVENTION

There is some evidence that both physical and mental exercise can help maintain thinking abilities. Reading, doing crossword puzzles, and engaging in stimulating conversations -- as well as ordinary physical exercise -- may all help keep your brain as sharp as possible. Such strategies have not been proven, however.

See also:

• Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
• Aging changes in the senses

Images

Alzheimer's disease

Brain and nervous system

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Aging changes in the nervous system Prevention

Review Date: 11/17/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)