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[Aging of the autonomic nervous system]
Tomokazu Shimazu1, Naotoshi Tamura, Kunio Shimazu
1Department of Neurology, Saitama Medical School.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 14, 2005
Summary
Healthy aging involves increased basal sympathetic nervous system activity but reduced nervous system reactivity. This impacts autonomic functions throughout the body, affecting cardiovascular and other systems.
Area of Science:
- Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) research
- Neuroscience of aging
- Physiology
Context:
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) undergoes significant structural and functional changes with age.
- These age-related alterations in the ANS can impact virtually all bodily systems, including cardiovascular function.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for addressing age-related health issues.
Purpose:
- To summarize the current understanding of age-related autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction.
- To highlight key findings regarding sympathetic nervous system activity and reactivity in aging.
- To provide a foundation for further research into ANS health and aging.
Summary:
- Aging is linked to structural and functional changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
- Basal sympathetic nervous system activity, indicated by noradrenaline levels, increases with age.
- However, the overall reactivity of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity diminishes in older individuals.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the physiological basis of aging.
- Informs potential therapeutic targets for age-related autonomic dysfunction.
- Contributes to a better understanding of cardiovascular changes associated with aging.