Biomarcatori e componenti neurofisiologiche nell’invecchiamento normale e patologico: evidenze e implicazioni per la pratica clinica

[Autom. eng. transl.] The physiological process of aging involves a complex set of structural and functional modifications. Faced with a general progressive atrophy of the prefrontal cortical regions, the reduction of the density of the white substance and a possible progressive decrease in the functionality of the dopaminergic system, compensatory neural mechanisms allow the adaptive maintenance of acceptable functioning levels in the face of an increase in demands environmental and the framework of progressive structural decline. In this complex and evolving scenario, the integration of traditional cognitive assessment procedures with biomarkers capable of reflecting the development of physiological and pathological aging processes is now crucial. This integration would allow, in fact, to respond to the request for greater diagnostic sensitivity in the presence of mild cognitive difficulties, as in the prodromal phases of neurodegenerative frameworks. In particular, electrophysiological measurements offer an economical and non-invasive alternative to the available biochemical, functional and metabolic markers. Specifically, the aging process has been associated with a slowing of basic electroencephalographic rhythms (EEG), reduction of electrophysiological reactivity measures, increased latency of event-related potential (ERP) N2 and modification of ERP components P3a and P3b. These observations suggest the presence of a modification of information processing processes and the orientation of attentional resources. At the same time, recent evidence emphasizes the potential of EEG / ERP markers in supporting assessment processes in the advanced stages of the life cycle and in identifying possible targets for neurocognitive enhancement interventions.