Aging can have a big impact on how our brain cells die. This happens mainly because of a mix of three things: oxidative stress, inflammation, and problems with our body's repair systems.
Oxidative Stress: As we get older, our body struggles to fight off harmful particles called free radicals. This struggle leads to damage in our brain cells, which can cause them to stop working properly and even die. For example, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can make brain cells go through a process called apoptosis, which is a way for cells to die.
Neuroinflammation: As we age, our brain often has a constant, low-level inflammation. This inflammation can make brain damage worse. Special cells in the brain called microglia, which help protect it, can become too active. When they do this, they release substances called pro-inflammatory cytokines that can harm nearby brain cells.
Impaired Repair Mechanisms: Neural stem cells, which help the brain heal and replace damaged cells, decrease as we grow older. Because of this, when brain cells get hurt, they aren’t easily replaced. This can lead to more problems with thinking and memory.
In short, these linked problems create a tough situation for brain cells. This makes aging a major risk factor for brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Aging can have a big impact on how our brain cells die. This happens mainly because of a mix of three things: oxidative stress, inflammation, and problems with our body's repair systems.
Oxidative Stress: As we get older, our body struggles to fight off harmful particles called free radicals. This struggle leads to damage in our brain cells, which can cause them to stop working properly and even die. For example, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can make brain cells go through a process called apoptosis, which is a way for cells to die.
Neuroinflammation: As we age, our brain often has a constant, low-level inflammation. This inflammation can make brain damage worse. Special cells in the brain called microglia, which help protect it, can become too active. When they do this, they release substances called pro-inflammatory cytokines that can harm nearby brain cells.
Impaired Repair Mechanisms: Neural stem cells, which help the brain heal and replace damaged cells, decrease as we grow older. Because of this, when brain cells get hurt, they aren’t easily replaced. This can lead to more problems with thinking and memory.
In short, these linked problems create a tough situation for brain cells. This makes aging a major risk factor for brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.