Higher ASCVD risk score is associated with blunted resting and exercise middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and lower language processing performance in cognitively normal older adults.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on middle cerebral blood flow velocity (MCAv) at rest and during exercise. A secondary aim was to explore the relationship between MCAv and (1) the presence of white matter lesions (WMLs) and (2) cognitive function. Methods: We recruited individuals who were cognitively normal older adults. Cardiovascular disease risk was assessed by the Pooled Cohort atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk score. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound measured middle cerebral artery at rest and during a bout of moderate-intensity exercise. We quantified WMLs from magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive function outcomes included executive function, language, processing speed, and attention. Results: Seventy-two participants 70.1 ± 4.7 years of age completed the study protocol. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score was significantly associated with resting and exercise MCAv ( P .468). We observed a significant association between resting and exercise MCAv and language processing ( P = .010) but not other cognitive domains. Conclusions: In cognitively normal older adults, higher ASCVD risk score was associated with blunted resting and exercise MCAv and with lower language processing performance. These results highlight the need for CVD risk management to maintain optimal brain health.
Perdomo et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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