AGE-RELATED-CHANGES IN THE VISUAL-CORTEX - A REVIEW

The main age related changes in visual cortex are reviewed. The visual cortex (occipital cortex, areas 17-19) undergoes a variety of anatomi cal, biochemical and functional changes with aging. From a morphologic al point of view the visual cortex loses nerve cells mainly in the las t period of life. From a biochemical point of view cholinergic, seroto nergic, and GABAergic neurotransmissions seem to be the most remarkabl y affected. In terms of functional correlates, a decline of several ac tivities of the visual cortex has been documented in the elderly. Due to the importance of visual cortex in the realization of visual functi on, the influence of aging on this cerebrocortical area requires a mor e detailed analysis.