Essay on The Neurobiology of Memory and Aging - 1680 Words

The Neurobiology of Memory and Aging I lost my keys again, my mother exclaimed at dinner a few nights ago, I really am getting old. This use of old age as a justification for memory deficits is extremely common. Many people relate old age with loss of memory and other neurobiological functions. Why is it that aging seems to go hand in hand with losing and forgetting things? Is there a neurobiological explanation for this phenomenon? It is clear to neurobiologists that aging results in a decrease in brain size as well as a decrease in the efficiency of brain functions. It has been a widely held belief that aging causes neurons to die and for the overall number of neurons to decrease as one reaches old age. Studies†¦show more content†¦(1). Therefore, once one sees something else or takes part in a new conversation is it difficult to remember all of the details from the one before. Declarative memory includes remembering facts one has used effort to learn in the past, and things one has tried to remember. The last part of memory, procedural memory, consists of everything one has learned by repetition, such as playing an instrument or sport, driving a car, or walking. The brain is dividing into several sections, including the cerebellum, the frontal lobe, and the temporal lobe, among others. The temporal lobe exists in two parts, one on each side of the brain close to the ears. It is largely responsible for the memory system (2). On the medial surface of the temporal lobe there are three important structure that are essential for human functioning. These structures are named, in order from rostral to caudal, the olfactory cortex, the amygdala, and the hippocampus. Together these three structures are referred to as the limbic system (1). Their functions became understood after studying how the brain functions upon loss of each structure. For example, in 1953, a patient suffering from epilepsy underwent surgery which removed most of his medial temporal lobe (1). After the surgery, the patient was able to remember who he was and was able to carry out coherent, intelligent conversations. However, if the person with whom he was talking left the ro om, he would have noShow MoreRelatedPromising Treatment for Alzheimers Disease Essay566 Words   |  3 Pageslinked to chromatin inactivation(14, 16). This relaxes the chromatin structure and allows transcription factors to interact with their target DNA.(10) Histone acetylation is an important mechanism for memory formation.(17, 18) Recent studies suggest that specific HATs and HDACs are required for memory formation and learning ability in severe neurodegeneration(13). Postmortem studies of AD patients have shown increased HDAC within the hippocampus(19) and lower acetylation over temporal lobe (20). 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Recent studies reveal that humans with a history  of  exposure to extreme trauma and who develop post-traumatic  stress  disorder (PTSD), with its associated nightmares, intrusive memories, avoidance  of  reminders  of  the trauma, sleep disturbance, hypervigilance, and other symptoms, have changes in actual brain structure and function (B remner, 2005). Research shows the brain areas gradually chandge due to stress including the hippocampus