Nervous system and Eyes and Ears

 Decrease detention of stimulus  Decrease identification of stimulus  Decrease evaluation of strength of stimulus  All mean decrease in learning, pleasure, and control of movement

 Not an age change – it is a disease  3 rd cause of death among elderly  Increases after age 65

 2 main causes  Artherosclerosis  Heart failure  Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure and artherosclerosis  3 types  Recovery in 24 hours  Recovery is gradual  No recovery

 Continuous accumulation of small dead spots in the brain from inadequate blood flow  The grooves in the brain separate so impulses have too far to travel

 Cataracts  Macular degeneration  Glaucoma  Diabetic retinopathy

 Poor focusing  Improper amount of light  Poor processing of impulses within the brain  What are things we could do to assist with an elderly persons vision?

 Hearing – decreased # of cells in and around the organ of corti and decreased endolymph  Frequencies – deterioration of the area of the organ of corti  Localization – unequal age changes between the two ears and decrease processing and interpreting by the brain  Interpretation – decrease brain functioning

 Presbycusis – loss of hearing  Avoid loud noises, occupational, recreational or entertainment  How to help – decrease background noise, speak clearly, repeat messages, etc.

 Decreased ear function  Decreased vision  Decreased skin sensations  Decreased muscle strength  Decreased muscle coordination  List ways to prevent falls……..