Open AccessAstroglia in ageing
Author(s) -
Alexei Verkhratsky
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ageing and longevity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2709-0205
DOI - 10.47855/jal9020-2021-1-6
Subject(s) - ageing , neuroscience , longevity , central nervous system , cognition , atrophy , cognitive decline , neuroepithelial cell , psychology , biology , medicine , gerontology , disease , pathology , neural stem cell , dementia , stem cell , genetics
Astroglia are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin responsible for homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Ageing reduces the functional capacity of all organs, so does that of the nervous system, the latter is evident in the reduction of cognitive abilities, learning and memory. At the same time the progression of these deficits is very much individual and lifestyle dependent, indicating operation of mechanisms counterbalancing age-dependent decline. In physiological ageing astrocytes undergo morphological atrophy and functional asthenia; astrocytic paralysis facilitates progression of age-dependent neurodegenerative disorders. Astroglial status and homoeostatic capabilities are influenced by lifestyle including intellectual engagement, social interactions, physical exercise, and healthy diet. Maintenance of healthy lifestyle is paramount for cognitive longevity.