Some will have atrophy AND plaques, some will have plaques and tangles, some will have other changes. Although certain changes are typical of specific brain disorders, the amount and type of physical changes are not necessarily related to changes in brain function. Physical aging changes are not clearly related to decreased brain or spinal cord function. As nerves degenerate, the senses of touch, vision, hearing, and so on may be affected. Reflexes may be reduced or lost.
Reflex changes increase problems with mobility and safety .
They can, however, be caused by degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease . Illnesses unrelated to the brain can cause significant changes in thinking and behavior. For example, almost any infection can cause an older person to become severely confused . Significant changes in memory, thought, ability to perform a task, and so on should be discussed with your health care provider, especially if these symptoms occur suddenly or along with other symptoms.