PHYSIOLOGICAL

CHANGES IN
AGING
AFFECTING THE
NERVOUS
SYSTEM AND
SPECIAL SENSES
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The nervous system is the major controlling, regulatory, and
communicating system in the body. It is the center of all mental
activity including thought, learning, and memory. Together with the
endocrine system, the nervous system is responsible for regulating
and maintaining homeostasis. Through its receptors, the nervous
system keeps us in touch with our environment, both external and
internal.

Like other systems in the body, the nervous system is composed of

organs, principally the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia. These,
in turn, consist of various tissues, including nerve, blood, and
connective tissue. Together these carry out the complex activities of
the nervous system.
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The various activities of the nervous system can be grouped
together as three general, overlapping functions:

● Sensory
● Integrative
● Motor

A sensory system is a part of the nervous system responsible for

processing sensory information. A sensory system consists of
sensory receptors, neural pathways, and parts of the brain
involved in sensory perception. Commonly recognized sensory
systems are those for vision, hearing, somatic sensation (touch),
taste and olfaction (smell).
The Nervous System and Special Senses
ASSESSMENT:

A. Facial symmetry.
B. Poor reflex reactions; slowed reaction time.
C. Level of alertness—presence of organic brain changes.
● Not all persons become confused.
● Most people have some memory impairment; learning takes longer.
● Change is gradual.
● Potential for accidents, falls.
D. Malnutrition—dehydration.
E. Eyes: movement, clarity, presence of cataracts. level of visual impairment.
Pupils: equality, dilation, constriction. Visual acuity—decreases with age.
● Do not test vision while client is facing window.
● Use handheld chart.
● Check condition of glasses.
● Dry eyes—tearing is decreased.
The Nervous System and Special Senses
ASSESSMENT:

F. Sensory deprivation—under stimulation or

sensory overload.
G. Hypothermia.
H. Hearing acuity.
● Hearing aid.
● Tinnitus.
● Cerumen in outer ear refer to specialist.
I. Presence of pain.
J. Sleep disturbances.
K. Depression.
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The Nervous System and Special Senses
The Nervous System and Special Senses
Nursing Diagnosis:
1. Impaired Physical Mobility D. Encourage sensory stimulation.
2. Risk for Injury ● Large-print books.
3. Disturbed Sensory Perception ● Changes in environment.
● Colors client can see.
Implementation
E. Maintain reality orientation.
A. Maintain safety precautions.
● Calendars.
● Evaluate reflex reactions to protect against
● Clocks.
accidents.
● One-to-one visits.
● Evaluate level of alertness.
F. Keep client warm—prevent
B. Monitor dietary intake and fluid intake.
hypothermia.
C. Provide adequate lighting to prevent falls.
G. Check sedative or hypnotic abuse for
● Natural lighting best.
poor sleep patterns.
● Avoid glare.
H. Check for antidepressant drugs.
● Nightlight at all times in bathrooms, halls.
The Nervous System and Special Senses
Evaluation:
1. Patient will achieve functional ability at his optimum level with modifications and alterations
within his environment to compensate for deficits.
2. Patient will have improved thought processing or will be maintained at a baseline level.
3. Patient will be aware and oriented if possible, and reality will be maintained at an optimal
level.