AGE-RELATED ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/Keywords:
nervous system; brain aging; neuroanatomical changes; neuronal function; dopamine; acetylcholine; cognitive decline; white matter; neuroplasticity; aging physiologyAbstract
Aging is a complex biological process associated with progressive structural and functional alterations in the human nervous system. This review analyzes age-related anatomical and physiological changes in the brain and nervous system, including reductions in brain volume, neuronal changes, alterations in white matter integrity, and modifications in neurotransmitter activity. Current evidence indicates that cerebral volume gradually decreases with advancing age, with more pronounced changes observed in individuals over 60 years. Age-related reductions in dopaminergic and cholinergic activity contribute to alterations in cognitive performance, motor regulation, and neural communication. The article also examines the distinction between normal neurological aging and pathological neurodegenerative processes, emphasizing the role of neuroplasticity and compensatory mechanisms in maintaining brain function. Structural changes such as ventricular enlargement, cortical thinning, and changes in white matter microstructure are identified as important neuroanatomical markers of aging. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for improving approaches to prevention, early diagnosis, and management of age-associated neurological disorders.
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