CONSIDERATIONS ON AGE-ASSOCIATED MEMORY I MPAIRMENT

A number of anatomic structures and endogenous substances are involved in memory processes, which are also influenced by interdependent cere bral activities. Age-related memory impairment (ARMI) documented by ps ychometric tests capable of ruling out memory loss due to disease or m edications is the result df normal age-related circulatory, energetic, biochemical, and neuroinformational alterations, whose severity vary widely across individuals. Passive preventive measures include elimina tion of substances with adverse effects on neurons (tobacco, alcohol, amnesia-inducing medications), appropriate nutrition, and treatment of metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia), Active preve ntive measures aim at stimulating cerebral function. Early detection a nd evaluation of ARMI allows use of symptomatic drugs, including cereb ral vasodilators, metabolism-enhancing agents, and psychostimulants, w hich should be carefully selected based on their pharmacodynamic profi le and the health status of the individual patient. Considerable hope lies with molecules (antioxidants, gangliosides, nerve growth factor) that selectively block the aging process.