Brain changes with age on computed tomography.

Abstract

The high-resolution scans of 206 apparently normal human brains were studied at low ventricular series. These cases were classified into three groups: young (18-25 years), adults (35-40 years), old (60-80 years). Each CT was measured by anterior surfaces of the horn of the lateral ventricle, thalamus, corpus striatum, and the brain. Linear measurements derived from bifrontaux and bicaudatés indices were recorded. The mean values ​​of the studied variables and indices are compared among the three age groups and between men and women in the same group. No difference with respect to gender were detected in all brain measures practiced. Ventricular indices were significantly increased from the adults to the elderly. Areas of the thalamus and striatum increased in adults and reduce tasks the elderly, in contrast changes with the age of the ventricular model. The area of ​​the brain surface does not change the adolescent to adult, but was particularly reduced in the elderly. The age-related changes observed by brain CT should be caused by the loss of brain substance, as reflected by the expansion of the lateral ventricle. (Age & Nutrition, Volume 6, No. 2, 1995)