Chronic attacks on the aged nervous system
Even in the absence a distinct disease or trauma, aging is the most significant risk factor for the perturbation of the nervous systems. The impulse-conducting, myelinated projects and synaptic links between nerve cells, for yet unknown reasons are particularly vulnerable to degeneration due to aging. These pathological changes often manifest in the form of cognitive, sensory and motor declines among older adults. They are a major socio-economic problem.
Damage is caused by malactivation
Scientists have assumed for a long time that inflammation is a major factor in this process. The microglia, which are cells of the innate immunity system, appear to cause damage to nerve fibers and synapse in the central nervous system of the elderly. Scientists at the University Hospital Wurzburg discovered a new role for the adaptive immune system in a recent study.
Source:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-05-chronic-aging-nervous.html
