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Aging changes in the human brain: a histochemical and immunohistochemical study.
Sambit K Mohanty1, Bishan D Radotra, Ashru K Banerjee
1Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. Dr_sambit@hotmail.com
Summary
Neuropathological changes like neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and senile plaques (SP) increase with age in Indian adults over 55. These aging brain changes are comparable to those found globally.
Area of Science:
- Neuropathology
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Limited research exists on age-related neuropathological changes in the Indian population.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for distinguishing normal aging from neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of neuropathological changes in non-demented elderly individuals in India.
- To compare these findings with existing data from other populations.
Main Methods:
- Examined brain tissue from 20 non-demented Indian individuals aged 55 and above.
- Utilized immunohistochemistry for Tau (neurofibrillary tangles) and beta-amyloid (senile plaques).
- Compared results with Bielschowsky's modified silver stain.
Main Results:
- Neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) incidence rose from 20% (50-55 years) to 80% (55+ years).
- Senile plaque (SP) incidence reached 80% in the 55-60 age group, decreasing to 40% in those over 60.
- Immunohistochemistry results correlated well with silver staining methods.
Conclusions:
- Age-related neuropathological changes, including NFTs and SPs, are prevalent in elderly Indians.
- The observed incidence and antigenic profiles of these changes are comparable to those in Western and Southern Indian populations.