Do the brains of non-human animals shrink with age (especially long-lived ones)?

In summary, researchers have found that human brain shrinkage is a unique result of aging and longevity, as it does not occur to the same extent in other species with extreme lifespans. Neurologist Bruce Yankner suggests further research into other long-lived species, such as tortoises, turtles, elephants, and parrots, to better understand the relationship between brain shrinkage and longevity.
  • #1
Simfish
Gold Member
823
2
See http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2011/07/the-incredible-shrinking-human-b.html?rss=1

Bruce Yankner, a neurologist at Harvard Medical School in Boston, agrees. To test the authors' hypothesis that human brain shrinkage is a result of greater longevity, Yankner says, "it would be interesting" to see if similar brain shrinkage occurs in other species with extreme longevity, "such as tortoises and turtles that live for well over 100 years, elephants that can live for 70 years, and parrots that can live for 80 years."
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727171510.htm

Brains shrink in humans, potentially causing a number of health problems and mental illnesses as people age, but do they shrink to the same extent in the closest living relatives to humans--the chimpanzees?

New research says no, making the extreme amount of brain shrinkage resulting from normal aging in humans unique.

C. C. Sherwood, A. D. Gordon, J. S. Allen, K. A. Phillips, J. M. Erwin, P. R. Hof, W. D. Hopkins. Aging of the cerebral cortex differs between humans and chimpanzees. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1016709108
 
  • #3
yeah, though that article is the same as the one I posted...
 

1. What is the main reason for studying the aging brain in non-human animals?

The main reason for studying the aging brain in non-human animals is to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms and processes that contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases in humans. By studying the brains of non-human animals, scientists can identify potential interventions and treatments for age-related brain disorders.

2. Is there evidence that the brains of non-human animals shrink with age?

Yes, there is evidence that the brains of non-human animals shrink with age. Several studies have shown that certain regions of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, decrease in size as animals age. This is similar to the changes observed in the human brain during aging.

3. Do all non-human animals experience brain shrinkage with age?

No, not all non-human animals experience brain shrinkage with age. Some species, such as birds and certain fish, have been found to have neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons) throughout their lifespan which may offset any age-related brain shrinkage. Also, different regions of the brain may be affected differently in different species.

4. Are there any factors that can slow down brain shrinkage in non-human animals?

There are several factors that have been found to slow down brain shrinkage in non-human animals. These include engaging in mentally stimulating activities, regular physical exercise, and a healthy diet. These lifestyle factors have also been shown to have a positive impact on brain health in humans.

5. How does the lifespan of a non-human animal affect brain shrinkage?

The lifespan of a non-human animal can have an impact on brain shrinkage. Generally, longer-lived species tend to have slower rates of brain shrinkage compared to shorter-lived species. This may be due to the fact that longer-lived animals have evolved more effective mechanisms for maintaining brain health and neural function throughout their lifespan.

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top