Explain Central and Peripheral Nervous System - Geriatric Nutrition?

Age related changes occur in various senses related to the cranial nerves-vision, hearing, taste and smell, these are discussed next.

Vision - Presbyopia (loss of accommodation function and loss of muscular function) and opacity of the lens (cataract) occur with aging. Some studies suggest that there could be delay in cataract formation if diets rich in antioxidant vitamins are consumed. Age related hearing loss in another feature observed with aging.

With aging taste and smell activity also decreases (hypogeusia and hyposemia respectively), thus affecting the appetite of the persons. Decrease in some micronutrient (Zn, Cu, some vitamins) are also said to be associated with decrease flavour perception. Cognitive functions like intellectual, reasoning memory functions tend to decrease with age either as a consequence of neurodegenerative changes. Important role of vitamin B and antioxidants have been mentioned by some authors. Peripheral nervous system the vibratory and pain perception declines/dulled with age and this may have adverse implication in early organic disease detection. With respect to central nervous system, myelination of axons of nerve needs to be maintained and may be vulnerable to stress and free radicals.