Calcium dysregulation in the aging brain

Neuroscientist. 2002 Aug;8(4):297-301. doi: 10.1177/107385840200800404.

Abstract

The idea that age-related cognitive decline is associated with disruption of calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis has been investigated over the past two decades. Much of this work has focused on the hippocampus because hippocampal-dependent memory is age sensitive. It is now well established that Ca(2+)-dependent processes such as susceptibility to neurotoxicity, the afterhyperpolarization amplitude, induction of synaptic plasticity, and long-term potentiation and long-term depression are altered with age. Recent work has identified changes in Ca2+ signaling pathways that may underlie the development of these biological markers of aging. This review considers recent findings concerning interactions between the various Ca(2+)-dependent processes, with special emphasis on the role of altered Ca2+ regulation and disruption of Ca2+ signaling pathways in mediating the expression of biological and behavioral markers of brain aging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Aging / physiology
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Brain / physiology
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Potentiation
  • Long-Term Synaptic Depression
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Neuronal Plasticity*
  • Receptors, Glutamate / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Calcium Channels
  • Receptors, Glutamate
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Calcium