Cerebrovascular Circulation
Conditions
Keywords
Aging, White Matter Hyperintensity Volume, Default Mode Network Connectivity, Cognitive Function, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Brief summary
The overall goal of observational study is to examine the age-related and habitual exercise training status-related differences in structural and functional changes in the human brain, detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
Detailed description
Normal aging reduces cerebral blood flow, brain volume, and cognitive function, thereby increasing the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Aging is associated with increased white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and appears to alter functional connectivity within the brain both of which associated with cognitive function (references). Observational studies suggest that regular physical activity is associated with improved cognitive function and higher cerebral blood flow 1,2. However, it is unknown if aging or exercise training status alters the structural and functional biomarkers that are predictive of cognitive decline. Thus, the overall goal of this project is to examine the age-related and exercise training status-related differences in structural and functional changes in the brain, detected by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. 1. To determine if white matter hyperintensities on MRI scans of the brain are altered by aging and exercise training status. 2. To determine the interaction of aging and habitual physical activity on functional connectivity in the brain.
Interventions
DEVICEMRI
Participants will undergo an MRI scan
Sponsors
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Between 18-35 or 55-75 * Body mass index \<34 kg/m2 * Physically active (exercise more than 3 times per week for at least 30 min) or sedentary (no formal exercise over 1 hour per week)
Exclusion criteria
* Current smoker * History or evidence of: hepatic disease, renal disease, hematological disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke/neurovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension * Part of a vulnerable population (e.g. pregnant women, prisoner, individuals lacking capacity to consent, etc.)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| White Matter Hyperintensity Volume | 60 minutes | Utilize an MRI to measure brain volume when participant is at rest |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Default Mode Network Connectivity | 60 minutes | Utilize an MRI to measure functional connectivity in the brain when participant is at rest |
| Middle Cerebral Artery Blood Flow Scan | 60 minutes | Utilize an MRI to measure middle cerebral artery blood flow in the brain when the participant is at rest |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed