Aging of the nervous system is a process that cannot be completely prevented - it is a natural phenomenon, after all - but there are ways to slow it down. But what exactly are the changes resulting from the aging of the nervous system and what can their consequences be?
As in prehistory or even in the Middle Ages, most people died when they were only 30 years old or even less, now the average life expectancy has become much longer and modern man lives an average of about 70 years.
Definitely such a life expectancy did not come out of nowhere - we owe it primarily to the advances in medical science, which in fact are undergoing extremely intensive development all the time.
Man, however, as he aged in the distant past, is also aging now. It is due to the significantly extended life expectancy and the increasing percentage of the elderly in the general population that an increasing number of scientists are concerned with the issue of the aging of the human organism.
The aim of this work is not only to gain knowledge of exactly how these processes take place, but also to look for ways to slow down the pace of their occurrence.
Scientists are usually particularly interested in the age-related changes that affect the "control center" of the human body - this is the aging process of the nervous system.
Aging of the nervous system: the brains
Over the years, the brain mostly shrinks. The most pronounced atrophy of nervous tissue is seen in the frontal and temporal lobes. There are two creatures in the brain - gray and white - the first of these is atrophied, while the second, despite the passage of years, remains unchanged.
Just as some parts of the brain shrink, the opposite is true for others - we are talking about elements of the ventricular system, which expand as a result of old age.
The aging of the nervous system also affects its smallest components, i.e. neurons.
With the passage of time, most of all, nerve cells die - their number gradually decreases, however, how large the percentage of neurons die is a kind of an individual feature and ultimately in some peoplethere is a loss of more and less of other nerve cells.
The fact that neurons die at all may cause concern - especially people who have already lived for some years - to worry, but here you need to pay attention to at least two aspects.
First of all: we generally have more neurons than we use them, so the fact that we lose some of them does not necessarily lead to the appearance of any abnormalities.
Secondly: as in the past it was believed that no new nerve cells are formed in the course of life, it is now known that, however, they can - and throughout a person's life - create new neurons in certain regions of the brain (m .in. in the hippocampus). This phenomenon determines, among others about the fact that people after a stroke, as a result of rehabilitation, can regain at least some of the lost abilities.
Changes related to the aging of the nervous system involve synapses, i.e. connections between individual nerve cells.
Those that function constantly are strengthened, while others, i.e. those in which the flow of impulses is not completely correct, are simply eliminated.
In an aging brain, deposits of various substances appear, including lipofuscin or various proteins (their presence is associated, for example, with the process of neurons dying).
Cerebral circulation may change - mainly due to atherosclerotic processes, blood flow in the brain may systematically decrease. This phenomenon is dangerous because reduced oxygen supply may contribute to the acceleration of the aging rate of the nervous system.
Aging processes in the brain also lead to changes in the concentrations of various neurotransmitters. In fact, older people reduce the amount of all important neurotransmitters in the nervous system, including acetylcholine and dopamine, but also serotonin and glutamate.
Aging of the nervous system: the spinal cord
The most important changes related to aging and affecting the spinal cord result from processes taking place within the intervertebral discs. Over time, they become much less flexible, and they may outgrow certain parts of the vertebrae themselves. These phenomena can lead to pressure or damage to both the spinal cord itself and the nerve roots that depart from it.
Aging of the nervous system: peripheral nerves
The passing years of life affect the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Over time, there are, among others, to degenerate the cells that protect themnervous. It may result from the natural aging processes, additionally accelerate it, among others :
- pressure on nerves by surrounding structures (e.g. bone)
- circulatory disorders
- various diseases (especially diabetes)
The ability of nerve fibers to regenerate decreases with age.
Aging of the nervous system: effects
The effects of aging in the nervous system are rather hard to overlook - they are noticed by both those affected and their loved ones.
Changes in the levels of acetylcholine and its receptors in the body are associated with cognitive impairment. As a result, memory deterioration, difficulty concentrating or slowing down of thinking may occur.
Insufficient production of dopamine by cells in the nervous system can lead to Parkinson-like symptoms, such as tremors.
In turn, when the amount of serotonin in the body decreases with the aging of the nervous system, the elderly may complain of a deteriorated mood, decreased appetite or lack of energy to act.
The previously described aging changes related to the spinal cord may lead, among others, to for the occurrence of various pain ailments, but also for sensory disturbances or other sensations, such as tingling.
As for the processes that take place within nerve fibers with age, their effect may be primarily a slowdown in the rate of transmission of stimuli between neurons, but also an increased tendency to the appearance of nerve damage, e.g. in the form of neuropathy.
With age, a senior may actually forget something more often, think slower or have occasional problems with maintaining balance.
One aspect should be emphasized here: old age with old age, but when the above-mentioned or other problems reach significant intensity in an elderly person, it cannot be blamed solely on the aging of the nervous system.
As this process is physiological, significant memory disorders or severe behavioral disturbances in an elderly person may be caused by definitely pathological processes, such as dementia disorders.
If they are suspected, the senior should see a doctor as soon as possible, because the sooner the necessary treatment is started, the greater the chances are that he will be able to stay fit for a longer time.
Aging of the nervous system: can this process be slowed down?
Like thiswas mentioned at the very beginning, it is simply impossible to prevent the aging of the nervous system completely.
However, there are ways to at least slow down this process a bit.
First of all, it is important to lead a he althy lifestyle - a varied diet, in which the proportion of saturated fat or simple carbohydrates will be limited and rich in antioxidants, can keep the nervous system in good condition.
Movement is important - during physical activity, greater amounts of oxygen are delivered to the brain, and this phenomenon alone can slow down the aging process of the nervous system.
In order to ensure that the brain and other structures belonging to the nervous system age more slowly, it is also worth giving up stimulants - smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
At the very end, it is worth mentioning that regular intellectual training is also helpful - reading books, traveling or even solving crossword puzzles can really positively affect the functioning of the nervous system in the late years of life.
Be sure to read:
Memory training for seniors
Brain training, i.e. exercises for a good MEMORY