A decade of aging in healthy older adults: longitudinal findings on cerebrovascular and cognitive health

Abstract

Research suggests an association between cerebrovascular health and cognitive decline, but previous work is limited by its cross-sectional nature or short (< 1–2 years) follow-up. Our aim was to examine, across 10 years of follow-up in healthy older adults, changes in cerebrovascular health and their relationship with subjective memory complaints as an early marker of cognitive decline. Between 2008 and 2010, twenty-eight healthy older adults (69 ± 4 years) underwent baseline blood pressure and transcranial Doppler measurements to assess middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv), cerebrovascular resistance index (CVRi), and measures of cerebral autoregulation (CA). After 9–12 years of follow-up, these measurements were repeated, and presence of memory complaints was evaluated. Linear mixed-model analyses explored effects of aging on cerebrovascular parameters and whether memory complaints were associated with cerebrovascular changes. Across a median follow-up of 10.9 years, no changes in MCAv, CVRi, or CA were found. At baseline, these parameters were not different between subjects with (n = 15) versus without (n = 13) memory complaints. During follow-up, subjects with memory complaints showed larger decreases in MCAv (− 10% versus + 9%, P = 0.041) and increases in CVRi (+ 26% versus − 9%, P = 0.029) compared to other peers without memory complaints, but no distinct changes in CA parameters (P > 0.05). Although a decade of aging does not lead to deterioration in cerebral blood flow or autoregulation, our findings suggest that reductions in cerebral blood flow and increases in cerebrovascular resistance are associated with early subjective cognitive decline.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging detects anatomical and functional changes in rat cervical spine microvasculature with normal aging

“…Several studies have elucidated age-related hemodynamic changes in the brain, however. Progressive increases in vascular resistance have previously been reported in aged patients, particularly those exhibiting cognitive decline (32, 33). Increased baseline vascular resistance reduces the ability to respond to metabolic demand and can impair neurovascular coupling (34).…”

“…Dysregulation of control over vascular tone may also contribute to either hypoperfusion in the case of rapid blood pressure drop, or elevated blood pressure and resulting damage in the capillary network due to reduced buffering capacity in the upstream arteries (34). Collectively, these changes can contribute to cognitive decline and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (32, 33, 35). Based on the findings from the current study, the aged spinal cord may be similarly impacted.…”

Exploring the Influence of Gut–Brain Axis Modulation on Cognitive Health: A Comprehensive Review of Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Symbiotics

“…The development of Alzheimer's disease [69,[88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107] and the mechanisms through which the microbiome can contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease have been investigated . Numerous studies are also available regarding treatments with probiotics [139][140][141][142].…”

“…The development of Alzheimer’s disease [ 69 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 ] and the mechanisms through which the microbiome can contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease have been investigated [ 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 ]. Numerous studies are also available regarding treatments with probiotics […”

The Effects of Intensive Antihypertensive Treatment Targets on Cerebral Blood Flow and Orthostatic Hypotension in Frail Older Adults

“…Moreover, (intensive)[3] AHT reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. [27] Given recent observations that reductions in CBF are associated with cognitive decline,[28, 29] the apparent effect of AHT to increase CBF may contribute to the clinical potential of AHT for the prevention of dementia in frail individuals.…”