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Pathological changes of the spinal cord in centenarians
Y Wang1, Y Hashizume, M Yoshida
1Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Japan.
Pathology International
|June 4, 1999
Summary
Spinal cord aging in centenarians reveals frequent white matter degeneration, particularly in the posterior column, and neuron loss in the anterior horn. These age-related changes are often linked to spinal canal disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropathology
- Spinal Cord Anatomy
Background:
- Aging significantly impacts the central nervous system.
- Understanding age-related spinal cord changes is crucial for diagnosing neurological disorders in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pathologically examine spinal cord changes in centenarians.
- To correlate histopathological findings with age and potential etiological factors.
Main Methods:
- Autopsied spinal cords from 19 centenarians (100-116 years) were sectioned and examined.
- Histopathological analysis included assessment of neuron loss, white matter degeneration, and vascular changes.
- Measurements of cross-sectional area and flattening ratio at the C7 segment were performed.
Main Results:
- Spinal cord size showed a negative correlation with age, but with large individual variation.
- Macroscopic anteroposterior flattening occurred in 6 cases, associated with anterior horn neuron loss.
- Frequent white matter degeneration, especially in the posterior column (myelin loss in fasciculus of Goll in 12 cases), was observed, likely secondary to lumbosacral root damage.
- Neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads were present in 16 cases, but less frequent than in the brain.
- Medial thickening of the anterior spinal artery was noted in 4 cords; amyloid angiopathy was rare.
Conclusions:
- Centenarian spinal cords exhibit significant age-related changes, including neuron loss and white matter degeneration.
- These alterations are frequently associated with degenerative conditions of the spinal canal, such as cervical spondylosis and spinal stenosis.
- While neurofibrillary changes occur, they are less prevalent than in the brain, suggesting distinct aging patterns between the central nervous system components.