The Aging Hippocampus

Abstract

Late adulthood is associated with increased hippocampal atrophy and dysfunction. Although there are multiple paths by which hippocampal deterioration occurs in late life, the authors discuss the evidence that a single nucleotide polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and age-related changes in BDNF protein or receptor expression contribute to hippocampal atrophy. The authors conclude that few studies have tested whether BDNF mediates age-related hippocampal atrophy and memory impairment. However, there is strong evidence that decreased BDNF is associated with age-related hippocampal dysfunction, memory impairment, and increased risk for depression, whereas increasing BDNF by aerobic exercise appears to ameliorate hippocampal atrophy, improve memory function, and reduce depression. Importantly, the most consistent associations between BDNF and hippocampal dysfunction have emerged from research on BDNF protein expression in rodents and serum and plasma concentrations of BDNF in humans. Current research suggests that the BDNF val66met polymorphism may be only weakly associated with hippocampal atrophy in late adulthood. These conclusions are interpreted in relation to age-related memory impairment and preventions for hippocampal atrophy.

Biological mechanisms underlying the role of physical fitness in health and resilience

“…Moreover, aerobic exercise training-induced increases in hippocampal volume have been associated with increased serum BDNF levels, and higher pre-intervention fitness has been shown to be protective against age-related hippocampal volume loss and cognitive decline [207]. Exercise-induced increases in BDNF and hippocampal volume have also been associated with reduced depressive symptoms [182,208].…”

Resistence Exercise Improves Anxiety and Depression in Middle- Age Women

“…De maneira geral, a prática regular de exercício físico aeróbio pode ajudar no combate à ansiedade e depressão, e promover a saúde 18 . É possível que esses benefícios ocorram por diversos mecanismos moleculares evidenciados em estudos com modelos animais, indicando que o exercício possa atuar por vias semelhantes àquelas ativadas por fármacos 19,20 . No entanto, demandas metabólicas e energéticas dos exercícios aeróbios são em parte, distintas do exercício resistido 21 .…”

Differences in Active Avoidance Conditioning in Male and Female Rats with Experimental Anxiety-Depressive Disorder

“…It is known that the hippocampus is involved in learning and consolidation of short-term memory into long-term memory [12,13]. The development of depressive state is associated with marked changes in the hippocampal structures, in particular, a decrease in the volume of the posterior parts, some subregions of the hippocampus (dentate gyrus, fi elds CA1-3), and with reduction of neurogenesis [11,15].…”