Autonomic brain functioning and age-related health concerns

Figures

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  Fig. 1. Major subdivisions of the nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) comprises of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is responsible for the processing and coordination of information, and the regulation of physiological functions and cognitive processes (McCorry, 2007; Gordan et al., 2015; Waxenbaum et al., 2023; Weissman and Mendes, 2021). The spinal cord facilitates the transmission of signals between the brain and the remainder of the body. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) comprises all nerves and ganglia outside the CNS (McCorry, 2007; Gordan et al., 2015; Waxenbaum et al., 2023; Weissman and Mendes, 2021). The PNS connects the CNS to sensory organs, muscles, and hormones throughout the body, allowing their communication and regulation.

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  Fig. 2. The SNS and PNS systems along with the enteric, vascular, and hemodynamic systems forms a complex network of interconnected and interdependent physiological processes (Clinic, 2022).

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  Fig. 3. The effects of normal aging on the structures and functions of body organs (Freeling and Li, 2015; Oveisgharan et al., 2022).

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  Fig. 4. Types of cognitive impairments (Knight et al., 2019; Kelley and Petersen, 2007).

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  Fig. 5. Potential causes of age-related cognitive declines (Dobrushina et al., 2020; Ulus and Aisenberg-Shafran, 2022). Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and amnesia are neurodegenerative disorders that account for most cases of significant cognitive decline in the older adults. Several chronic diseases that are more prevalent in the older adults, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and renal disease, can exacerbate cognitive decline. In addition, conditions such as cerebral small vessel disease and stroke can cause decreased blood flow to the brain, impairing cognitive function. Sleep disturbances, persistent tension, and depression can also impair cognitive performance in the older adults.