Treating the aging brain: cortical reorganization and behavior

Aging comprises many physiological modifications, including structural and metabolic changes, yet little is known about how aging affects the way in which neurons process and integrate sensory information from the environments. Here the framework of "modified use" as a determinant of cortical reorganization was applied for the investigation of age-related modifications of cortical maps and processing, and of associated changes of behavior. The age-related changes of walking behavior in rats were contrasted with the parallel changes of sensorimotor processing developing at the cortical level. Based on the regional specificity of these changes attempts are made to separate age-related changes arising as a consequence of degeneration from a result of adaptable processes following reduced use at high age. Finally, findings from long-term treatment with the Ca2+-blocker nimodipine, or from housing animals under enriched environmental conditions to ameliorate aging effects were described. Combined, these results show the general treatability of age-related changes. The data imply that age-related changes can be reversed by short periods of training and stimulation schedules even if they have developed. Clearly, the development of specific measures to delay aging processes and to rehabilitate aged brains depends on future progress in understanding mechanisms and effects of aging.