Ageing reduces the functional capacity of all organs, so does that of the nervous system; the latter is evident in the reduction of cognitive abilities, learning and memory. While the exact mechanisms of ageing of the nervous system remain elusive, it is without doubt that morpho-functional changes in a variety of neuroglial cells contribute to this process. The age-dependent changes in neuroglia are characterised by a progressive loss of function. This reduces glial ability to homeostatically nurture, protect and regenerate the nervous tissue. Such neuroglial paralysis also facilitates neurodegenerative processes. Ageing of neuroglia is variable and can be affected by environmental factors and comorbidities.
Keywords: Ageing; Astrocyte; Microglia; NG2 cells; Oligodendrocytes.