Date: 2025-01-09


Author: Jeremy Rodriguez

As we age, our bodies can be affected by numerous neurological issues. In this post, we’ll review what you need to know about common neurological disorders in elderly.

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What Are Neurological Issues?

Neurological disorders are conditions that affect the functioning of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurological disorders of old age, unfortunately, do not have a cure forward and can only be maintained or slowed down.

How Does Aging Affect the Nervous System?

Before we take a look at neurological disorders in adults, let’s discuss how aging affects the nervous system, and potentially lead to adult neurological disorders. As we age, our brain and nervous system naturally changes. Nerve cells shrink and decrease in number, which can slow down communication between them. Slower thinking, memory, and cognition are normal with age, but these changes vary from person to person. Some experience more noticeable changes than others, and these physical changes don’t always impact cognitive function.

Next up, let’s review some common neurological problems in elderly.

Common Neurological Disorders in Older Adults

Now that we know more about geriatric neurology, it’s time to take a look at some of the problems that plague older adults. Some examples of neurological disorders in elderly include:

  • Bell’s Palsy. This condition causes one-sided facial drooping due to inflammation or infection affecting facial muscles, with treatment options including antiviral meds and physiotherapy.
  • Brain Cancer. In older adults, brain cancer has a poor prognosis, often leading to severe headaches and increased brain pressure, with treatment focused on palliative care and symptom management.
  • Chronic Subdural Haematoma (CSDH). CSDH occurs when blood accumulates between the brain and skull due to mild head injuries or blood thinners, potentially requiring surgery if symptoms like headaches or paralysis worsen.
  • Dementia. Dementia involves a decline in cognitive function, affecting memory and daily activities, with early treatment and safety measures helping slow its progression.
  • Epilepsy. Epilepsy in older adults is often triggered by strokes or brain injury, causing seizures that require careful diagnosis and medication to manage, as surgery is risky.
  • Hyponatraemia. This low-sodium condition can cause confusion and falls, especially in those on diuretics, and requires slow sodium correction to prevent brain damage.
  • Migraines. These are triggered by stress, dehydration, or medication side effects, causing headaches and sensitivity, which can be managed by avoiding triggers and using medications.
  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). This involves the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles, causing symptoms like gait issues, urinary incontinence, and dementia, often treated with a lumbar puncture or shunt.
  • Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s causes movement difficulties like tremors and stiffness, with early treatment including medications and physiotherapy to improve mobility and quality of life.
  • Sclerosis. This autoimmune disorder damages nerve fibers, causing permanent disabilities; symptom management through medication and emotional support is essential.
  • Spondylosis. Age-related spinal degeneration causes pain, joint stiffness, and mobility issues, typically managed with medications, physiotherapy, and sometimes surgery.
  • Strokes. Strokes occur when brain blood flow is disrupted, often leading to lasting disabilities, with early intervention and rehabilitation crucial for recovery and minimizing damage.

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Date: 2025-01-09

Author: Jeremy Rodriguez

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