Structural and Functional Changes in Cerebral Aging

Many structural and physiological alterations occur in cerebral aging, exposing elderly subjects to impaired cerebral functions and several brain diseases. The senile narrowing of the brain is an obvious structural manifestation, which is easily diagnosed in imaging and may be global or focal (i.e. touching the whole of particular regions of the brain). The physiological chained reactions of aging require adaptation from the brain cells; otherwise, authentic diseases may evolve, such as tumors, stroke, or brain-wasting diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. On the other hand, some studies demonstrated that the aging process and its consequent effects on the brain could be slowed or delayed by some preventive measures, such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet and life environment, sustained cognitive training and some herbal products. All these factors would have a positive effect on the preservation of brain integrity and should be integrated into brain aging management, as well as pharmacological treatments.