Aging changes in the human brain: a histochemical and immunohistochemical study

Abstract

There are very few studies on neuropathological changes of aging in the Indian population. In the present study, the incidence of aging changes in 20 non-demented elderly humans above the age of 55 years were observed. The incidence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) increased from 20% in 50-55-year-olds to 80% in 55-year-olds and over. Senile plaques (SP) increased from 20% in 50-55-year-olds to 80% in 55-60-year-olds and 40% in 60-year-olds and over. The results of immunohistochemistry to label the NFT (Tau) and SP (beta-amyloid) were comparable to the Bielchowsky's modified silver methanamine method. The incidence of age related changes and their antigenic character in the limited sample studied from north-west India appear to be comparable to those from the southern part of India and Western hemisphere.