Modifiable and Non-modifiable Risk Factors in Cognitive and Cerebrovascular Aging
Abstract
For the first time in Canadian history, the number of Canadians over the age of 65 has surpassed those 14 years and younger making Canada an aging society. This trend is the same in all countries in the Developed World. With this increase of older adults in the world population, the study of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for healthy brain aging has become increasingly important.
Normal brain aging is associated with a loss of some cognitive functions such as executive control, processing speed, learning, and memory functions. The trajectories of cognitive decline in older adults are influenced by modifiable risk factors such as hypertension and obesity, as well as non-modifiable risk genes (i.e., Apolipoprotein E) that potentially increase the risk of Alzheimer disease or related dementia. Physical activity has repeatedly been demonstrated to be effective in lowing cardiovascular risk factors while also protecting cerebrovascular reserve and cognitive functions. However, the potential relationship between multiple factors such as modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, biomarkers, and physiological and psychological health in cognitive and cerebrovascular aging remains poorly understood.
The Brain in Motion study was a quasi-experimental prospective cohort designed study which examined the effects of a six-month aerobic exercise intervention on cerebrovascular and cognitive function in healthy older adults. The study aimed to recruit 250 healthy, inactive, adults over the age of 55 years, and without mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Using pre-intervention data, Study I examined the effects of modifiable risk factors associated with Metabolic Syndrome and apolipoprotein E genotype on cerebrovascular function. Study II examined the contribution of genetic risk, subjective cognitive complaints, and vascular function during submaximal exercise on pre-intervention objective cognitive performance. Study III examined the influence of a six-month aerobic exercise intervention and exercise dose on cardiorespiratory fitness, cerebrovascular, and cognitive function.
These results add to the growing literature suggesting that engagement of regular aerobic exercise improves cerebrovascular and cognitive functioning. In addition, these results provide insights on the influence of cerebrovascular mechanisms that are involved in promoting healthy brain aging.
Description
Keywords
Neuroscience, Psychology--Cognitive
Citation
Tyndall, A. (2017). Modifiable and Non-modifiable Risk Factors in Cognitive and Cerebrovascular Aging (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26971