Aging Changes in the Nervous System

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Common nervous system problems in the elderly

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

Illnesses unrelated to the brain can also cause significant changes in thinking and behavior. For example, almost any infection can cause an older person to become severely confused. Another common cause of temporary difficulties with thinking and behaviour is the dysregulation of glucose and metabolism in patients with diabetes. Fluctuations in glucose levels can cause thinking disturbances.

Significant changes in memory, thought, ability to perform a task, and so on should be discussed with your health care provider, especially if these symptoms occur suddenly or along with other symptoms. A change in thinking, memory, or behavior is considered "significant" if is noticeably different from previous patterns, or if it affects lifestyle.