Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
08:00
Dissection and Isolation of Murine Glia from Multiple Central Nervous System Regions
Published on: June 4, 2020
4.1K
Delirium from the gliocentric perspective
Adonis Sfera1, Carolina Osorio2, Amy I Price3
1Psychiatry, Patton State Hospital CA, USA.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|June 2, 2015
Summary
Delirium in the elderly significantly increases dementia risk. This study explores glia, particularly astrocytes, and their role in neuroinflammation, potentially leading to delirium and cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Delirium is an acute cognitive disturbance common in the elderly.
- It is linked to adverse outcomes like increased mortality and hospitalization.
- A significant association exists between delirium and subsequent dementia development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glia in delirium pathophysiology.
- To propose a mechanism involving astrocyte-dependent cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on delirium, glia, and neuroinflammation.
- Hypothesizing a mechanism for astrocytic pathology leading to neuroinflammation.
Main Results:
- Elderly patients with delirium have a 63% probability of developing dementia within 48 months.
- Astrocytic pathology may disable a cholinergic anti-inflammatory shield, causing neuroinflammation.
Conclusions:
- Glia, specifically astrocytes, play a crucial role in delirium.
- Understanding these mechanisms could lead to interventions preventing cognitive damage.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
2.0K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
2.0K
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
2.5K
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
2.5K
01:15Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
9.3K
The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...
9.3K
01:27Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay
5.7K
The thalamus, often called “the gateway to the cerebral cortex,” is vital in processing and directing sensory and motor signals throughout the brain. Almost all inputs destined for the cerebral cortex, except for olfactory signals, are relayed through the thalamus. The thalamus is a sophisticated relay station, channeling information from various brain regions to the cerebral cortex, as well as a filter, prioritizing certain signals over others based on current physiological...
5.7K
01:05Cerebral Hemispheres
3.7K
The human brain, a complex organ, is functionally divided into two cerebral hemispheres—left and right. These hemispheres are interconnected by a structure of paramount importance, the corpus callosum. This substantial bundle of neural fibers is not just a bridge between the hemispheres but a crucial element for the brain's comprehensive functioning. It enables efficient communication between the two hemispheres, allowing each side of the brain to control and receive sensory and motor...
3.7K
01:28Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
3.1K
Nervous tissue is a vital component of the human body's communication system, enabling us to perceive and respond to stimuli. However, like all other tissues, it is vulnerable to disorders and diseases that can significantly impact our neurological functioning.
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
3.1K