AGE-ASSOCIATED CHANGES IN CA2-DEPENDENT PROCESSES - RELATION TO HIPPOCAMPAL SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY()

Altered calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is thought to play a key role in ag ing and neuropathology resulting in memory deficits. Several forms of hippocampal synaptic plasticity are dependent on Ca2+, providing a pot ential link between altered Ca2+ homeostasis and memory deficits assoc iated with aging. The current study reviews evidence for Ca2+ dysregul ation during aging which could interact with Ca2+-dependent synaptic p lasticity. The authors suggest that changes in Ca2+ regulation could a djust the thresholds for synaptic modification, favoring processes for depression of synaptic strength during aging.