From fetus to older age: A review of brain metabolic changes across the lifespan

What is it about?

Abstract: Introduction: The knowledge of metabolic changes across the lifespan is lacking. Thus we systematically reviewed the literature to determine the changes in brain biochemical composition from fetus to older age and tried to explain them in context of neural, cognitive, and behavioral changes. Methods: The search identified 1262 articles regarding proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) examinations through December 2017. The following data was extracted: age range of the subjects, number of subjects studied, brain regions studied, MRS sequence used, echo time, MR system, method of statistical analysis, metabolites analyzed, significant differences in metabolites concentrations with age as well as the way of presentation of the results. Results: 82 studies that described brain metabolite changes with age were identified. Reports on metabolic changes related to healthy aging were analyzed and discussed among six basic age groups: fetuses, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly as well as between groups and during the whole lifetime. Discussion: The results presented in the reviewed papers provide evidence that normal aging is associated with a number of metabolic changes characteristic for every period of life. Therefore, it can be concluded that the age matching is essential for comparative studies of disease states using 1H MRS.

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Why is it important?

HIGHLIGHTS: • The review of the changes in brain metabolism from fetus to older age is presented. • 82 studies that described brain metabolite changes with age were identified. • The aging is associated with metabolic changes characteristic for each life period. • The age matching is essential for comparative studies of disease states using 1H MRS.