Aging is an inevitable biological process, marked by the accumulation of cellular and molecular damage over time. In the brain, this process results in a gradual decline in cognitive and motor capabilities, in addition to increasing susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (Sikora et al., 2021).
Age-related brain changes affect several regions and functions, including the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions, and the hippocampus, crucial for memory and learning. These changes can manifest as learning difficulties, memory loss, decreased attention and processing speed, as well as changes in sleep (Lu et al., 2004; Gorgoni & De Gennaro, 2021).
At a molecular level, brain aging is associated with a series of mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and dysregulation of protein homeostasis (Mattson & Arumugam, 2018). These processes lead to the loss of synapses, neuronal death, and dysfunction of glial cells, which play a fundamental role in maintaining the brain environment and neuronal communication (Sikora et al., 2021).
However, the brain also has adaptive mechanisms that can protect against age-related functional decline. Neuronal plasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself and form new connections, can be stimulated through activities such as learning, physical exercise, and social interaction (Aron et al., 2022).
Furthermore, lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, practicing regular physical exercise, and maintaining adequate sleep, can contribute to healthy brain aging and delay cognitive decline (Panagiotou et al., 2021 ). Pharmacological interventions can also be used to modulate the molecular mechanisms involved in brain aging and prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases (Aron et al., 2022).
In short, brain aging is a complex and multifactorial process, which involves both deterioration and adaptation. Understanding the mechanisms underlying brain aging and developing effective interventions are crucial to promoting healthy aging and preserving quality of life in old age.
Reference :
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GORGONI, M.; DE GENNARO, L. Sleep in the Aging Brain. Brain Sciences, vol. 11, no. 2, p. 229, 2021.
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MATTSON, MP; ARUMUGAM, TV Hallmarks of Brain Aging: Adaptive and Pathological Modification by Metabolic States. Cell Metabolism, vol. 27, no. 6, p. 1176-1199, 2018.
PANAGIOTOU, M. et al. The aging brain: sleep, the circadian clock and exercise. Biochemical Pharmacology, vol. 191, p. 114563, 2021.
SIKORA, E. et al. Cellular Senescence in Brain Aging. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, vol. 13, p. 646924, 2021.
