Aging Changes in the Nervous System
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Description
Although normal changes occur with age in the brain and nervous system, many people have misconceptions about the nature and extent of these changes. A common mistaken belief is the idea that all elderly people become senile. Many people blame increased confusion on "getting old" when it may, in fact, be caused by an illness.
The nervous system has two divisions. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It processes nerve messages and controls movement, thought and behavior. The peripheral nervous system is made up of the nerves coming to and from the spine (spinal nerves) and the nerves in the body. This portion of the nervous system carries sensory and movement messages to and from the central nervous system.
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