A brief physiology of the aging

Abstract

The aging process of the brain encompasses specific changes including an overall decline in the brain weight and volume as well as an enlargement of cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) spaces and ventricles. These changes appear to result from a neuronal cell and synapses loss. In the meantime some characteristic features of Alzheimer’s disease are found in normal aging brains in a lesser amount, such as senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Furthermore, spinal changes related to aging are difficult to differentiate from the so-called degenerative spinal alterations. Finally, several systemic changes occur with aging altering the reserve capacity of the elderly, i.e. the difficulty to maintain homeostasis during stressing situations that may lead to systemic failure. All these aging-related bodily features have to be considered during the management of neurosurgical elderly patients.