Calcium Signaling During Brain Aging and Its Influence on the Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity

Calcium (Ca²⁺) ions are highly versatile intracellular signaling molecules and are universal second messenger for regulating a variety of cellular and physiological functions including synaptic plasticity. Ca²⁺ homeostasis in the central nervous system endures subtle dysregulation with advancing age. Research has provided abundant evidence that brain aging is associated with altered neuronal Ca²⁺ regulation and synaptic plasticity mechanisms. Much of the work has focused on the hippocampus, a brain region critically involved in learning and memory, which is particularly susceptible to dysfunction during aging. The current chapter takes a specific perspective, assessing various Ca²⁺ sources and the influence of aging on Ca²⁺ sources and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Integrating the knowledge of the complexity of age-related alterations in neuronal Ca²⁺ signaling and synaptic plasticity mechanisms will positively shape the development of highly effective therapeutics to treat brain disorders including cognitive impairment associated with aging and neurodegenerative disease.