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Assessment of Midline Lingual Point-Pressure Somatosensation Using Von Frey Hair Monofilaments

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Somatosensory information processing in the aging population.

Zheng Zhang¹, Eric M Francisco, Jameson K Holden

¹Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

|December 14, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Aging does not impair the brain's ability to adapt. Central nervous system (CNS) adaptation metrics remain stable, suggesting preserved cortical plasticity compensates for age-related sensory decline.

Keywords:

adaptation aging plasticity sensory somatosensory tactile

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Gerontology
Sensory Physiology

Background:

Skin physiology and sensitivity decline with age.
Central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms may preserve sensory processing despite peripheral changes.
Age-related changes in CNS function are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate age-related changes in sensory processing and CNS function.
To determine if central adaptation metrics are maintained in aging individuals.
To explore the relationship between CNS adaptation and cortical plasticity.

Main Methods:

Quantitative measurements of processing speed, sensory thresholds, discriminative capacity, and adaptation metrics.
Subjects aged 18-70 years were observed.
Comparison of adaptation metrics with known CNS compromise conditions.

Main Results:

Reaction speed and sensory thresholds showed age-related changes.
Discriminative capacity and adaptation metrics remained stable across age groups.
Stable adaptation metrics suggest preserved CNS function in aging.

Conclusions:

The aging CNS retains the capacity for plastic changes, maintaining adaptation metrics.
Cortical plasticity may compensate for age-related peripheral sensory degradation.
Objective adaptation metrics could serve as indicators of cerebral cortical health.