Selective vulnerabilities and biomarkers in neurocognitive aging
Zachariah Reagh1, Michael Yassa1
1Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
F1000Research
|May 12, 2017
Summary
Understanding the aging brain is vital. This review explores neurocognitive aging, focusing on episodic memory and highlighting neural circuit dysfunction, neurogenesis, and entorhinal cortex vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Global population aging necessitates understanding age-related cognitive changes.
- Episodic memory decline is a significant aspect of cognitive aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings and emerging themes in neurocognitive aging.
- To focus on selective vulnerabilities in the aging brain, particularly episodic memory.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on neurocognitive aging.
- Synthesis of findings related to neural circuits, neurogenesis, and brain regions.
Main Results:
- Identified key areas of research including neural circuit dysfunction.
- Highlighted the roles of neurogenesis, inhibitory signaling, and entorhinal cortex vulnerability.
- Acknowledged the impact of individual differences and comorbidities on cognitive aging.
Conclusions:
- Emerging topics in aging brain research offer insights into selective vulnerabilities.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate age-related cognitive decline, especially in episodic memory.
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