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Treating the aging brain: cortical reorganization and behavior.

¹Institute Neuroinformatics, Theoretical Biology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany. Hubert.dinse@neuroinformatik.rub.de

Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplement

|July 1, 2005

Summary

Aging impairs how neurons process sensory information, but brain function and behavior can be improved with targeted training and stimulation, even in older individuals.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Gerontology
Behavioral Biology

Background:

Aging involves physiological changes affecting neuronal processing and sensory integration.
Limited understanding exists regarding age-related modifications in cortical maps and sensorimotor processing.
The
modified use
framework offers insights into age-related cortical reorganization.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate age-related changes in cortical maps, processing, and behavior using the
modified use
framework.
Differentiate between degenerative and adaptable processes in age-related cortical changes.
Evaluate interventions to ameliorate aging effects on brain function.

Main Methods:

Contrasted age-related changes in rat walking behavior with cortical sensorimotor processing.
Analyzed regional specificity of age-related cortical modifications.
Assessed effects of nimodipine treatment and environmental enrichment.

Main Results:

Identified age-related modifications in cortical maps and sensorimotor processing.
Distinguished degenerative versus adaptive age-related brain changes.
Demonstrated that nimodipine and environmental enrichment can ameliorate aging effects.

Conclusions:

Age-related changes in neuronal processing and behavior are treatable.
Short periods of training and stimulation can reverse age-related deficits.
Further research into aging mechanisms is crucial for developing interventions.

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