Aging Changes in the Nervous System
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Effect of physical changes
Some slight slowing of thought, memory, and thinking seems to be a normal part of aging. There is evidence that continued, moderate physical and mental exercise is helpful in maintaining cognitive abilities.
Physical aging changes are not clearly related to decreased brain or spinal cord function. Changes in memory, thought, and other cognitive functions, while common in the very old, cannot be directly traced to atrophy or other physical brain changes.
As nerves degenerate, the senses may be affected. Reflexes may be reduced or lost. Reflex changes increase problems with mobility and safety. Conversely, some reflexes that were present at birth and then lost through maturity (infantile reflexes such as the sucking reflex and grasp reflex) may reappear with advanced age. This may be a normal change or, more likely, may be a sign of a neurological disorder.
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