The aging human brain Aging Neurology Brain Neuroscience UvA_Amsterdam frontiersin
By Dr. Liji Thomas, MDAug 3 2022Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. The prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders has increased over the past several decades for several reasons. Age is a major risk factor; however, the increased rate of these disorders is also related to cognitive impairment in the absence of obvious neurodegeneration.
The aim of the current study by University of Amsterdam researchers is to distinguish normal aging from neural aging using both neurobiological and neuropsychological markers. In normal aging, older adults continue to enjoy mental well-being, even as they suffer some loss of physical and cognitive function. Conversely, with neural aging, functional ability and competence that are necessary for mental wellbeing are not developed or maintained successfully.
The brain is a vital link between external and internal challenges to the state of the organism. Moreover, the brain acts as a ‘master coordinator of actions' that can achieve favorable states while avoiding unfavorable ones. These various aspects of aging cause neurons to become more susceptible to functional impairment while neuronal defenses simultaneously weaken. The resulting cognitive and functional changes vary between individuals depending on the specific challenges posed by their environments and the capacity of their defense systems.
Simultaneously, the prefrontal cortex becomes more active during tasks, which is a phenomenon known as compensatory recruitment that is particularly vulnerable to damage. Calorie restriction and exercise act through different pathways to enhance neuronal recovery during rest and sleep, as well as increase neuroplasticity and stress resistance. Earlier research in humans has indicated that exercise improves hippocampal structure and function while also reducing cognitive impairment.
Pharmacological interventions have also been described in experimental animals, with certain agents such as ergothioneine that have been approved as supplements. Perhaps these drugs may reduce the rate of cognitive decline; however, more research is required.
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