Understanding and Managing Neurological Problems in the Elderly: A Comprehensive Guide 29/01/2024

Neurological Disorders of the Elderly

As we age, we all notice changes in our hair, skin, and joints. Along with these visible changes, our brain and central nervous system are also going through an aging process. This is one of the reasons why you are more likely to suffer from neurological problems after the age of 65.

Some of the neurological diseases that affect the elderly include stroke, neuropathy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. You may know someone who has experienced one of these health problems.

If you think you have a neurological problem, the first step is to be evaluated by a neurologist. During your appointment, you will be asked a series of questions to learn more about your condition and will also undergo a neurological examination. Fortunately, many diseases of the brain and nervous system can be successfully treated, and the types of treatments available to doctors are improving.

Types of Neurological Disorders

Dementia type: This causes parts of the brain to gradually degenerate and neurons in different parts of the brain die. This can lead to a range of symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected. These include several conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CTE), Lewy syndrome, and TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE).

Degenerative disease: Damage or loss of the myelin sheath affects the transmission and transmission of nerve signals. Examples include multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Type of parkinsonism: This is caused by damage to certain neurons in the brain that help control coordination and direct muscle movements. This includes Parkinson's disease and other forms of Parkinsonism (a general term for conditions that look like Parkinson's disease).

Motor neuron disease: occurs when the neurons that control movement die. Examples include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as “Lougerigand disease”) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

Prion disease: A type of protein-folding disease that causes short-term brain damage (most people do not survive more than a year). Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is the most common and most cases occur for unknown reasons. It can also be genetic (in this case the life expectancy is 1 to 10 years).

Neuropathy: This nerve disease causes symptoms such as numbness and weakness, affecting the hands and feet. It can be caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes, as well as medications and other causes.

The most common issues associated with Neurological Disorders

Alzheimer's Disease: Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia, is a progressive disease that destroys brain cells and eventually impairs human cognitive function. The exact cause is still unknown.

Parkinson's disease: Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive disease that involves the death and loss of large nerve cells in the brain. Treatment options include medication and surgery to control symptoms.

Myopathy: Muscle disease characterized by muscle weakness, usually most severe in the upper arms and thighs.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, this is a progressive disease that affects motor neurons and reduces muscle function in the body. There is no cure for ALS.

Stroke: This devastating and fatal stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain is damaged. Warning signs include droopy eyes, arm weakness, and difficulty speaking. If you see the warning signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Myasthenia Gravis: This chronic autoimmune disease blocks nerve signals to muscles, preventing movement. The main symptom of this disease is muscle weakness that increases during exercise and improves after periods of rest.

Muscular Dystrophies: A group of progressive muscle diseases with a genetic cause. Symptoms begin with muscle weakness near the trunk, then progress to muscle and tendon weakness.

Diagnosis of Neurological Disorders

Laboratory tests: Blood tests and genetic tests are sometimes sufficient to diagnose certain neurodegenerative diseases.

Imaging scans: Computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging tests are very important in diagnosing these conditions. This allows your doctor to "see" your brain and determine if there are any abnormalities or changes that indicate a neurodegenerative disease or rule out other causes.

Postmortem Histopathology (Microscopic Analysis of Tissues): Some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Pick's disease or malignancies, cannot be examined in life. Your doctor may suspect this condition while you're alive, but the only way to confirm a definitive diagnosis is to examine brain samples under a microscope after an autopsy.

Treatments for Neurological Disorders

However, not all neurodegenerative diseases are curable. These diseases destroy brain cells, which is irreversible.

Some neurodegenerative diseases can be treated based on their cause. Some of these conditions can be properly treated and your symptoms can be controlled, reduced, or reduced. Although it cannot be cured by other methods, it may be possible to treat the symptoms and improve the quality of life.

Because treatments vary, your doctor is the best person to tell you what treatments are available and what medications are recommended. The information they provide is the most accurate and correct because they also take into account information about your personality, history, etc. They can also tell you about side effects and complications you may experience things to watch out for, and other suggestions.