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Editorial
. 2023 Sep 26:3:1287189.
doi: 10.3389/fruro.2023.1287189. eCollection 2023.

Editorial: Healthy aging, mental health, and sexuality

Alex Siu Wing Chan  1 , Steve Wai Hee Chan  2 , Elsie Yan  1
Affiliations
Editorial

Editorial: Healthy aging, mental health, and sexuality

Alex Siu Wing Chan et al. Front Urol. .
No abstract available

Keywords: healthy aging; intervention; mental health; older adults; sexuality; social inclusion.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Correlation between brain structure, aging and symptoms of depression. Figure 1 indicates that the prefrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, amygdala, and hippocampus are interconnected brain regions that collectively play a crucial role in regulating emotions, memory, and mood. When considering their correlation with depression among aging individuals, it's important to understand how changes in these brain regions can contribute to depressive symptoms: (A) Prefrontal Cortex (PFC): The PFC, particularly the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), is involved in executive functions, decision-making, and emotional regulation. In aging individuals, there can be a decline in PFC function, which may lead to difficulties in managing emotions and making adaptive choices. This decline can contribute to depressive symptoms, as individuals may struggle to cope with life changes and stressors. (B) Cingulate Gyrus: The cingulate gyrus, a part of the limbic system, is involved in emotional processing and regulation. Changes in the cingulate gyrus, such as alterations in connectivity, can affect emotional control. Dysfunction in this region has been linked to depression in older adults, as it can lead to heightened emotional responses and difficulties in regulating negative emotions. (C) Amygdala: The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. In older adults with depression, the amygdala may show increased activity or abnormal functioning, leading to heightened emotional reactivity and persistent negative emotional states. (D) Hippocampus: The hippocampus is vital for memory consolidation and spatial navigation. In aging individuals, the hippocampus can undergo structural changes, such as atrophy and decreased neurogenesis. These changes are associated with memory problems and an increased risk of depression. Additionally, a smaller hippocampus has been linked to a poorer response to treatment for depression.
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  • Editorial on the Research Topic Healthy aging, mental health, and sexuality

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