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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
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Preparation of Acute Hippocampal Slices from Rats and Transgenic Mice for the Study of Synaptic Alterations during Aging and Amyloid Pathology
Published on: March 23, 2011
Neurochemical alterations during age-related anorexia
C A Blanton1, B A Horwitz, R B McDonald
1Department of Nutrition, Section of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA. cablanton@ucdavis.edu
Summary
Older adults often experience unexplained weight loss due to decreased food intake. This review explores the neurochemical changes linked to age-related anorexia and their impact on feeding behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Unexplained weight loss in aging is often linked to reduced food intake (anorexia).
- Potential causes range from social factors to gastrointestinal issues.
- Similar phenomena in aging animals suggest underlying physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between declining food intake in advanced age and neurochemical functions.
- To explore the physiological underpinnings of age-related anorexia.
- To evaluate evidence and suggest potential etiologic factors for reduced appetite in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on aging, food intake, and neurochemistry.
- Analysis of research on the neurochemical control of feeding behavior.
- Evaluation of evidence linking physiological changes to age-related anorexia.
Main Results:
- Altered neurochemistry is a significant factor in age-related dysregulated feeding behavior.
- The complexity of food intake control and diverse research methods complicate definitive cause identification.
- Physiological changes, particularly neurochemical alterations, play a causal role in reduced food intake during aging.
Conclusions:
- Neurochemical dysregulation contributes to anorexia of aging.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex etiologies of age-related appetite decline.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing malnutrition in older populations.
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