Depolarization is initiated when there is an influx of sodium inside the cell as opposed to repolarization, where potassium exits the cell (occurring after Na+ gates close). Remember that for every 3 Na+ in, there is 2 K+ out. This imbalance helps to stabilize the membrane.
Your aging aunt luella has has a series of small strokes. these strokes can progressively damage her brain and are most likely to produce dementia