Aging in the Nervous System Brain Changes . . .

Changes in the Senses . . . Less acute Thresholds rise (the minimum amount of stimulation needed to perceive a sensation) Ears and eyes suffer the most dramatic changes

Brain Changes . . . Decline in working memory resulting in over stimulation and distraction – frontal lobe due to less docking sites for dopamine Motor functions deteriorate due to muscular atrophy and the number of junctions with nerve cells are reduced so less neurotransmitter reaches the effectors (doctors believe a lot of this is due to inactivity). Changes in sleep patterns – less time in deep sleep - worsened by alcohol and prescription medication. Depression and anxiety elevate due to drops in neurotransmitter (Dopamine)

Brain changes . . . Process information more slowly; but more thoroughly and with a more considered application. Memory and recall are further complicated by anxiety and depression – test have also shown that the activation of the hippocampus is lessened in elderly individuals – this is also impacted by alcohol and prescription medication and can often manifest as symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s. Continued use of the brain improves cognition – the brain improves with use unlike most other organs of the body. Mental stimuli can improve neuron’s ability to repair their damaged DNA and increasing circuits.