Abstract
Normal ageing is associated with impairments in cognitive function, including memory. These impairments are linked, not to a loss of neurons in the forebrain, but to specific and relatively subtle synaptic alterations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Here, we review studies that have shed light on the cellular and synaptic changes observed in these brain structures during ageing that can be directly related to cognitive decline in young and aged animals. We also discuss the influence of the hormonal status on these age-related alterations and recent progress in the development of therapeutic strategies to limit the impact of ageing on memory and cognition in humans.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 240-250 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Nature Reviews Neuroscience |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 1 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neuroscience(all)
Cite this
The ageing cortical synapse : Hallmarks and implications for cognitive decline. / Morrison, John; Baxter, Mark G.
In: Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Vol. 13, No. 4, 01.04.2012, p. 240-250.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - The ageing cortical synapse
T2 - Hallmarks and implications for cognitive decline
AU - Morrison, John
AU - Baxter, Mark G.
PY - 2012/4/1
Y1 - 2012/4/1
N2 - Normal ageing is associated with impairments in cognitive function, including memory. These impairments are linked, not to a loss of neurons in the forebrain, but to specific and relatively subtle synaptic alterations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Here, we review studies that have shed light on the cellular and synaptic changes observed in these brain structures during ageing that can be directly related to cognitive decline in young and aged animals. We also discuss the influence of the hormonal status on these age-related alterations and recent progress in the development of therapeutic strategies to limit the impact of ageing on memory and cognition in humans.
AB - Normal ageing is associated with impairments in cognitive function, including memory. These impairments are linked, not to a loss of neurons in the forebrain, but to specific and relatively subtle synaptic alterations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Here, we review studies that have shed light on the cellular and synaptic changes observed in these brain structures during ageing that can be directly related to cognitive decline in young and aged animals. We also discuss the influence of the hormonal status on these age-related alterations and recent progress in the development of therapeutic strategies to limit the impact of ageing on memory and cognition in humans.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84858702953&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1038/nrn3200
DO - 10.1038/nrn3200
M3 - Review article
C2 - 22395804
AN - SCOPUS:84858702953
VL - 13
SP - 240
EP - 250
JO - Nature reviews. Neuroscience
JF - Nature reviews. Neuroscience
SN - 1471-003X
IS - 4
ER -