[Physiological and pathological aging of the brain].

Also in the old age, the capability for a meaningful arrangement of life is dependent on the functional integrity of the brain. The processes of senile involution occurring physiologically do not exclude such a possibility. In normal aging, the reduction in the number of nerve cells and dendritic spines is small compared to pathological aging. There are no indications for transitions between normal and pathological aging. Senile dementia is an optionally occurring disease requiring an endogenous component for its manifestation. The psychic peculiarities occurring in the course of normal aging result mainly from environmental factors (i.e. psychic and social injuries). They need multidimentional treatment.