Etusivulle

Changes in the brain that occur with aging 16,18

The weight of brain decreases and the number of synapses decreases
  • The weight of brain decreases and the number of synapses decreases
Dopaminergic function decreases
  • Dopaminergic function decreases -> partially explaining the sensitivity of the elderly to the effects of antipsychotic drugs
The amount of acetylcholine decreases
The permeability of blood-brain barrier increases
  • The amount of acetylcholine decreases and the permeability of blood-brain barrier increases -> the elderly are particularly sensitive to adverse events in nervous system, caused by anticholinergic drugs
Previous References

16. Mangoni AA, Jackson SH. Age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics: basic principles and practical applications. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2004;57:6-14.

18. Ehrt U, Broicht K, Larsen JP, Ballard C, Aarsland D: Use of drugs with anticholinergic effect and impact on cognition in Parkinson's disease: a cohort study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2010;81:160-165.