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Modulation of Hallmarks of Brain Aging by Environmental Enrichment

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Inflammation, Aging, and Oxidative Stress

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Abstract

The process of aging is manifested by reduced cognitive function and greater susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease and other brain disorders. This functional decline is thought to be the result of a combination of factors, such as reduced production of neurotrophic factors and increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. However, increasing evidence suggests that the brain maintains plasticity during adulthood and aging, i.e., the capacity to induce synaptic plasticity, enhance neurogenesis, and other processes that support cognitive function. Research in animal models suggests that brain plasticity can be enhanced by experience in a complex (enriched) environment. In support of that, evidence from human studies suggests that certain lifestyle elements, such as exercise and engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, may attenuate cognitive decline. This chapter will summarize the evidence concerning the role of environmental factors in brain plasticity in aging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA

    Nancy Bartolotti & Orly Lazarov Ph.D.

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  1. Nancy Bartolotti
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  2. Orly Lazarov Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Orly Lazarov Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, University of California, Irvine, California, USA

    Stephen C. Bondy

  2. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA

    Arezoo Campbell

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Bartolotti, N., Lazarov, O. (2016). Modulation of Hallmarks of Brain Aging by Environmental Enrichment. In: Bondy, S., Campbell, A. (eds) Inflammation, Aging, and Oxidative Stress. Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33486-8_16

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