Open AccessMechanisms of neuroplasticity and brain degeneration: strategies for protection during the aging process
Author(s) -
Mariana Toricelli,
Arthur Antonio Ruiz Pereira,
Guilherme de Souza Abrão,
Helescimento Malerba,
Julia Maia,
Hudson Sousa Buck,
Tânia Araújo Viel
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
neural regeneration research/neural regeneration research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.93
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1876-7958
pISSN - 1673-5374
DOI - 10.4103/1673-5374.286952
Subject(s) - neuroprotection , neurodegeneration , senescence , neuroscience , proinflammatory cytokine , programmed cell death , neuroplasticity , aging brain , inflammation , oxidative stress , medicine , disease , ageing , biology , apoptosis , immunology , pathology , cognition , biochemistry
Aging is a dynamic and progressive process that begins at conception and continues until death. This process leads to a decrease in homeostasis and morphological, biochemical and psychological changes, increasing the individual's vulnerability to various diseases. The growth in the number of aging populations has increased the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases, impairment of the central nervous system and dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease, whose main risk factor is age, leading to an increase of the number of individuals who need daily support for life activities. Some theories about aging suggest it is caused by an increase of cellular senescence and reactive oxygen species, which leads to inflammation, oxidation, cell membrane damage and consequently neuronal death. Also, mitochondrial mutations, which are generated throughout the aging process, can lead to changes in energy production, deficiencies in electron transport and apoptosis induction that can result in decreased function. Additionally, increasing cellular senescence and the release of proinflammatory cytokines can cause irreversible damage to neuronal cells. Recent reports point to the importance of changing lifestyle by increasing physical exercise, improving nutrition and environmental enrichment to activate neuroprotective defense mechanisms. Therefore, this review aims to address the latest information about the different mechanisms related to neuroplasticity and neuronal death and to provide strategies that can improve neuroprotection and decrease the neurodegeneration caused by aging and environmental stressors.