The Impact of Aging on Neurological Function and Cognitive Decline

Saleh Ajaim Ali Al Matared; Ali Abdullah  Al-haddad; Abdullah mesfer Mohammed  Al Aldbey; Rashed Nasser M  Alfuhayd; Hamzah Abdullah  Alsharif; Nasser Mahdi Ali  Al mansour; Saleh Ali M  Alyami; Ali Bandar M  Almansour; Abdulrahman Hussain B  Al Sayhab; Hamad Mohammed  Alsawidan; Awam Awaied Ali   Al sulaiman

doi:10.54293/smhj.v4i1.99

Authors

Saleh Ajaim Ali Al Matared Student, Faculty of Medicine in Najran University , Najran, KSA.
Ali Abdullah Al-haddad Neurosurgery consultant, Neurosurgery department, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8849-2029
Abdullah mesfer Mohammed Al Aldbey Student, Faculty of Medicine in Najran University , Najran, KSA.
Rashed Nasser M Alfuhayd Student, Faculty of Medicine in Najran University , Najran, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9179-9980
Hamzah Abdullah Alsharif Student, Faculty of Medicine in Najran University , Najran, KSA.
Nasser Mahdi Ali Al mansour Student, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University , Najran, KSA.
Saleh Ali M Alyami Student, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University , Najran, KSA.
Ali Bandar M Almansour Student, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University , Najran, KSA.
Abdulrahman Hussain B Al Sayhab Student, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University , Najran, KSA.
Hamad Mohammed Alsawidan Student, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University , Najran, KSA.
Awam Awaied Ali Al sulaiman Student, Faculty of Medicine, Najran University , Najran, KSA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v4i1.99

Keywords:

neurological and cognitive function, ageing, neurological changes, geriatrics, Cognitive Decline

Abstract

This comprehensive analysis delves into the multifaceted impact of aging on neurological function and cognitive decline, incorporating insights from studies on music, video games, and mindfulness. It explores significant alterations in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) as individuals age, highlighting changes in nerve fibers, signal transmission, muscle strength, and sensory discrimination. The study also examines the brain's structural and functional evolution with age, particularly in the hippocampus and frontal lobe, and the resultant effects on cognitive abilities. It discusses the concept of brain resistance and resilience in the context of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that certain individuals show a heightened ability to withstand or adapt to neurological pathologies. Investigating various lifestyle factors, the hypothesis presented is that an active lifestyle and specific activities, including musical engagement and video game training, can mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The study finds that musical activities improve mood, memory, and quality of life in people with dementia, while customized video games enhance multitasking abilities and cognitive control in older adults. However, mindfulness-based interventions, such as stress reduction and exercise, did not show significant improvement in cognitive functions in older adults. Intriguingly, cognitive abilities are impacted differently by age, with certain functions like vocabulary improving, while others such as memory and processing speed decline. The study also contrasts brain aging in humans with chimpanzees, revealing significant differences in brain structure changes over the lifespan, likely due to longer human lifespans. This research underscores the complex interplay of genetic, lifestyle, health, and intervention factors in aging and emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions such as using music therapy, video games, and life style changes to preserve neurological and cognitive health in older adults.