Physiology of aging

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Physiology

Background:

• Neuronal cell death is a natural part of aging.
• Aging is associated with dehydration and increased plasma osmolality.
• Increased blood viscosity impedes organ and system perfusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the physiological mechanisms linking aging, hyperosmolality, and neuronal cell death.
• To elucidate the role of blood viscosity in age-related neurological decline.

Main Methods:

• The study is a conceptual review of existing physiological data.
• Analysis of the relationship between aging, water balance, and blood properties.

Main Results:

• Aging leads to decreased body water and increased plasma osmolality.
• Elevated plasma osmolality increases blood viscosity.
• Reduced blood flow to the central nervous system causes neuronal hypoxia and death.

Conclusions:

• Hyperosmolality is a natural and unavoidable consequence of mammalian aging.
• Increased blood viscosity due to hyperosmolality contributes to age-related neuronal cell death.
• This process underlies the insidious decline of central nervous system function with age.