Can aging cause depletion in neurotransmitters that help regulate emotions such as anger?

From the Guidelines

Aging can indeed lead to depletion in neurotransmitters that help regulate emotions such as anger, with decreases in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels being key contributors to this phenomenon. As we age, our brains undergo various neurochemical changes, including these decreases in neurotransmitters, which play crucial roles in mood regulation and emotional control 1. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation, also experiences age-related changes in structure and function. Hormonal shifts occur as well, with declining levels of estrogen in women and testosterone in men potentially contributing to mood instability. These biological changes can make some older adults more susceptible to emotional dysregulation, including difficulty managing anger. Some key points to consider in this context include:

• The role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating emotional dysregulation, as suggested by guidelines for social anxiety disorder 1
• The importance of non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in managing emotional regulation and anger
• The potential benefits of lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and social engagement, in maintaining neurochemical balance and reducing the risk of emotional dysregulation. Given the potential for aging to impact neurotransmitter levels and emotional regulation, it is essential for older adults experiencing difficulties with anger management or emotional dysregulation to consult a healthcare provider to discuss available treatment options, including therapy and medication, and to develop a personalized plan for maintaining emotional well-being.

From the Research

Neurotransmitter Depletion and Aging

• Aging is associated with cognitive decline, functional, and social impairments, which can affect the regulation of emotions such as anger 2.
• The hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning, memory consolidation, and mood regulation, undergoes neurobiological alterations with age, including increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which may contribute to emotional dysregulation 2.

Neurotransmitters and Emotion Regulation

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders, by increasing serotonin levels in the brain 3, 4, 5.
• Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating emotions, including anger, and its depletion or imbalance can contribute to emotional dysregulation 4, 5.

Aging and Neurotransmitter Levels

• Age-related increases in plasma drug concentrations have been observed for some SSRIs, including citalopram and paroxetine, which may affect their efficacy and safety in older adults 4.
• There is limited research on the effects of aging on neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin, and how this may impact emotion regulation 2, 4, 6.
• Emerging evidence suggests that aging is closely associated with various molecular mechanisms, including telomere attrition, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which may contribute to age-related changes in neurotransmitter levels and emotional regulation 6.