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Bowie DC, Low KA, Rubenstein SL, Islam SS, Zimmerman B, Camacho PB, Sutton BP, Gratton G, Fabiani M. Neurovascular mechanisms of cognitive aging: Sex-related differences in the average progression of arteriosclerosis, white matter atrophy, and cognitive decline. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 201:106653. [PMID: 39214337 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Arterial stiffness (arteriosclerosis) has been linked to heightened risks for cognitive decline, and ultimately for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Importantly, neurovascular outcomes generally vary according to one's biological sex. Here, capitalizing on a large sample of participants with neuroimaging and behavioral data (N = 203, age range = 18-87 years), we aimed to provide support for a hierarchical model of neurocognitive aging, which links age-related declines in cerebrovascular health to the rate of cognitive decline via a series of intervening variables, such as white matter integrity. By applying a novel piecewise regression approach to our cross-sectional sample to support Granger-like temporal inferences, we show that, on average, a precipitous decline in cerebral arterial elasticity (measured with diffuse optical imaging of the cerebral arterial pulse; pulse-DOT) precedes an acceleration in the development of white matter lesions by nearly a decade, with women protected from these deleterious effects until approximately age 50, the average onset of menopause. By employing multiple-mediator path analyses while controlling for sex, we show that age may impair cognition via the sequential indirect effects of arteriosclerosis and white matter atrophy on fluid, but not crystallized, abilities. Importantly, we replicate these results using pulse pressure, an independent index of arterial health, thereby providing converging evidence for the central role of arteriosclerosis as an accelerating factor in normal and pathological aging and identifying robust sex-related differences in the progression of cerebral arteriosclerosis and white matter degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Bowie
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 603 E Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820, United States of America; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America.
| | - Kathy A Low
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Samantha L Rubenstein
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 603 E Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820, United States of America; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Samia S Islam
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 603 E Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820, United States of America; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Zimmerman
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America; Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, 2220 SW 1st Ave., Portland, OR 97201, United States of America
| | - Paul B Camacho
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Bradley P Sutton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America; Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1406 W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 603 E Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820, United States of America; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 603 E Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820, United States of America; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 405 N. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, United States of America.
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Clements GM, Camacho P, Bowie DC, Low KA, Sutton BP, Gratton G, Fabiani M. Effects of Aging, Fitness, and Cerebrovascular Status on White Matter Microstructural Health. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.04.606520. [PMID: 39211213 PMCID: PMC11361032 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.04.606520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
White matter (WM) microstructural health declines with increasing age, with evidence suggesting that improved cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may mitigate this decline. Specifically, higher fit older adults tend to show preserved WM microstructural integrity compared to their lower fit counterparts. However, the extent to which fitness and aging independently impact WM integrity across the adult lifespan is still an open question, as is the extent to which cerebrovascular health mediates these relationships. In a large sample (N = 125, aged 25-72), we assessed the impact of age and fitness on fractional anisotropy (FA, derived using diffusion weighted imaging, DWI) and probed the mediating role of cerebrovascular health (derived using diffuse optical tomography of the cerebral arterial pulse, pulse-DOT) in these relationships. After orthogonalizing age and fitness and computing a PCA on whole brain WM regions, we found several WM regions impacted by age that were independent from the regions impacted by fitness (hindbrain areas, including brainstem and cerebellar tracts), whereas other areas showed interactive effects of age and fitness (midline areas, including fornix and corpus callosum). Critically, cerebrovascular health mediated both relationships suggesting that vascular health plays a linking role between age, fitness, and brain health. Secondarily, we assessed potential sex differences in these relationships and found that, although females and males generally showed the same age-related FA declines, males exhibited somewhat steeper declines than females. Together, these results suggest that age and fitness impact specific WM regions and highlight the mediating role of cerebrovascular health in maintaining WM health across adulthood.
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Bowie DC, Low KA, Rubenstein SL, Islam SS, Zimmerman B, Camacho PB, Sutton BP, Gratton G, Fabiani M. Neurovascular Mechanisms of Cognitive Aging: Sex-Related Differences in the Average Progression of Arteriosclerosis, White Matter Atrophy, and Cognitive Decline. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.06.556562. [PMID: 38562861 PMCID: PMC10983862 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.06.556562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Arterial stiffness (arteriosclerosis) has been linked to heightened risks for cognitive decline, and ultimately for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Importantly, neurovascular outcomes generally vary according to one's biological sex. Here, capitalizing on a large sample of participants with neuroimaging and behavioral data ( N = 203, age range = 18-87 years), we aimed to provide support for a hierarchical model of neurocognitive aging, which links age-related declines in cerebrovascular health to the rate of cognitive decline via a series of intervening variables, such as white matter integrity. By applying a novel piecewise regression approach to our cross-sectional sample to support Granger-like causality inferences, we show that, on average, a precipitous decline in cerebral arterial elasticity (measured with diffuse optical imaging of the cerebral arterial pulse; pulse-DOT) temporally precedes an acceleration in the development of white matter lesions by nearly a decade, with women protected from these deleterious effects until approximately age 50, the average onset of menopause. By employing multiple-mediator path analyses while controlling for sex, we show that age may impair cognition via the sequential indirect effects of arteriosclerosis and white matter atrophy on fluid, but not crystallized, abilities. Importantly, we replicate these results using pulse pressure, an independent index of arterial health, thereby providing converging evidence for the central role of arteriosclerosis as an accelerating factor in normal and pathological aging and identifying robust sex-related differences in the progression of cerebral arteriosclerosis and white matter degradation.
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Delli Pizzi S, Gambi F, Di Pietro M, Caulo M, Sensi SL, Ferretti A. BOLD cardiorespiratory pulsatility in the brain: from noise to signal of interest. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 17:1327276. [PMID: 38259340 PMCID: PMC10800549 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1327276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) based on the Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) contrast has been extensively used to map brain activity and connectivity in health and disease. Standard fMRI preprocessing includes different steps to remove confounds unrelated to neuronal activity. First, this narrative review explores how signal fluctuations due to cardiac and respiratory activity, usually considered as "physiological noise" and regressed out from fMRI time series. However, these signal components bear useful information about some mechanisms of brain functioning (e.g., glymphatic clearance) or cerebrovascular compliance in response to arterial pressure waves. Aging and chronic diseases can cause stiffening of the aorta and other main arteries, with a reduced dampening effect resulting in greater transmission of pressure impulses to the brain. Importantly, the continuous hammering of cardiac pulsations can produce local alterations of the mechanical properties of the small cerebral vessels, with a progressive deterioration that ultimately affects neuronal functionality. Second, the review emphasizes how fMRI can study the brain patterns most affected by cardiac pulsations in health and disease with high spatiotemporal resolution, offering the opportunity to identify much more specific risk markers than systemic factors based on measurements of the vascular compliance of large arteries or other global risk factors. In this regard, modern fast fMRI acquisition techniques allow a better characterization of these pulsatile signal components due to reduced aliasing effects, turning what has been traditionally considered as noise in a signal of interest that can be used to develop novel non-invasive biomarkers in different clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Delli Pizzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Gambi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Caulo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano L. Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Ferretti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
- UdA-TechLab, Research Center, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Wu KC, Martin A, Renna M, Robinson M, Ozana N, Carp SA, Franceschini MA. Enhancing diffuse correlation spectroscopy pulsatile cerebral blood flow signal with near-infrared spectroscopy photoplethysmography. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:035008. [PMID: 37680339 PMCID: PMC10482352 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.3.035008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Significance Combining near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) allows for quantifying cerebral blood volume, flow, and oxygenation changes continuously and non-invasively. As recently shown, the DCS pulsatile cerebral blood flow index (pCBF i ) can be used to quantify critical closing pressure (CrCP) and cerebrovascular resistance (CVR i ). Aim Although current DCS technology allows for reliable monitoring of the slow hemodynamic changes, resolving pulsatile blood flow at large source-detector separations, which is needed to ensure cerebral sensitivity, is challenging because of its low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Cardiac-gated averaging of several arterial pulse cycles is required to obtain a meaningful waveform. Approach Taking advantage of the high SNR of NIRS, we demonstrate a method that uses the NIRS photoplethysmography (NIRS-PPG) pulsatile signal to model DCS pCBF i , reducing the coefficient of variation of the recovered pulsatile waveform (pCBF i - fit ) and allowing for an unprecedented temporal resolution (266 Hz) at a large source-detector separation (> 3 cm ). Results In 10 healthy subjects, we verified the quality of the NIRS-PPG pCBF i - fit during common tasks, showing high fidelity against pCBF i (R 2 0.98 ± 0.01 ). We recovered CrCP and CVR i at 0.25 Hz, > 10 times faster than previously achieved with DCS. Conclusions NIRS-PPG improves DCS pCBF i SNR, reducing the number of gate-averaged heartbeats required to recover CrCP and CVR i .
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Cheng Wu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Alyssa Martin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Marco Renna
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mitchell Robinson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Nisan Ozana
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Stefan A. Carp
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Maria Angela Franceschini
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
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Fabiani M, Asnakew BA, Bowie DC, Chism SM, Clements GM, Gardner JC, Islam SS, Rubenstein SL, Gratton G. A healthy mind in a healthy body: Effects of arteriosclerosis and other risk factors on cognitive aging and dementia. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2022; 77:69-123. [PMID: 37139101 PMCID: PMC10153623 DOI: 10.1016/bs.plm.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this review we start from the assumption that, to fully understand cognitive aging, it is important to embrace a holistic view, integrating changes in bodily, brain, and cognitive functions. This broad view can help explain individual differences in aging trajectories and could ultimately enable prevention and remediation strategies. As the title of this review suggests, we claim that there are not only indirect but also direct effects of various organ systems on the brain, creating cascades of phenomena that strongly contribute to age-related cognitive decline. Here we focus primarily on the cerebrovascular system, because of its direct effects on brain health and close connections with the development and progression of Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia. We start by reviewing the main cognitive changes that are often observed in normally aging older adults, as well as the brain systems that support them. Second, we provide a brief overview of the cerebrovascular system and its known effects on brain anatomy and function, with a focus on aging. Third, we review genetic and lifestyle risk factors that may affect the cerebrovascular system and ultimately contribute to cognitive decline. Lastly, we discuss this evidence, review limitations, and point out avenues for additional research and clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Bethlehem A. Asnakew
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Daniel C. Bowie
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Sydney M. Chism
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Grace M. Clements
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Jennie C. Gardner
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Samia S. Islam
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Samantha L. Rubenstein
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
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Smith PJ, Sherwood A, Hinderliter AL, Mabe S, Tyson C, Avorgbedor F, Watkins LL, Lin PH, Kraus WE, Blumenthal JA. Cerebrovascular Function, Vascular Risk, and Lifestyle Patterns in Resistant Hypertension. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 87:345-357. [PMID: 35275539 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and blunted cerebral hemodynamic recruitment are thought to be important mechanisms linking hypertension to cerebrovascular and cognitive outcomes. Few studies have examined cardiovascular or dietary correlates of CVR among hypertensives. OBJECTIVE To delineate associations between cardiometabolic risk, diet, and cerebrovascular functioning among individuals with resistant hypertension from the TRIUMPH trial (n = 140). METHODS CVR was assessed by examining changes in tissue oxygenation (tissue oxygenation index [TOI] and oxygenated hemoglobin [HBO2]) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during a breath holding test, a standardized CVR assessment to elicit a hypercapnic response. Participants also underwent fNIRS during three cognitive challenge tasks. Vascular function was assessed by measurement of brachial artery flow mediated dilation and hyperemic flow response. Cardiometabolic fitness was assessed from peak VO2 on an exercise treadmill test and body mass index. Dietary patterns were quantified using the DASH eating score. Cognitive function was assessed using a 45-minute test battery assessing Executive Function, Processing Speed, and Memory. RESULTS Greater levels fitness (B = 0.30, p = 0.011), DASH compliance (B = 0.19, p = 0.045), and lower obesity (B = -0.30, p = 0.004), associated with greater changes in TOI, whereas greater flow-mediated dilation (B = 0.19, p = 0.031) and lower stroke risk (B = -0.19, p = 0.049) associated with greater HBO2. Similar associations were found for cerebral hemodynamic recruitment, and associations between CVR and cognition were moderated by duration of hypertension. CONCLUSION Impaired CVR elevated cardiometabolic risk, obesity, vascular function, and fitness among hypertensives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Sherwood
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alan L Hinderliter
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Mabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Crystal Tyson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Forgive Avorgbedor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lana L Watkins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Pao-Hwa Lin
- Department of Medicine and Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William E Kraus
- Department of Medicine and Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James A Blumenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Champagne AA, Coverdale NS, Allen MD, Tremblay JC, MacPherson REK, Pyke KE, Olver TD, Cook DJ. The physiological basis underlying functional connectivity differences in older adults: A multi-modal analysis of resting-state fMRI. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:1575-1591. [PMID: 35092574 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00570-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in functional connectivity strength (FCS) with age were confounded by vascular parameters including resting cerebral blood flow (CBF0), cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), and BOLD-CBF coupling. Neuroimaging data were collected from 13 younger adults (24 ± 2 years) and 14 older adults (71 ± 4 years). A dual-echo resting state pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling sequence was performed, as well as a BOLD breath-hold protocol. A group independent component analysis was used to identify networks, which were amalgamated into a region of interest (ROI). Within the ROI, FC strength (FCS) was computed for all voxels and compared across the groups. CBF0, CVR and BOLD-CBF coupling were examined within voxels where FCS was different between young and older adults. FCS was greater in old compared to young (P = 0.001). When the effect of CBF0, CVR and BOLD-CBF coupling on FCS was examined, BOLD-CBF coupling had a significant effect (P = 0.003) and group differences in FCS were not present once all vascular parameters were considered in the statistical model (P = 0.07). These findings indicate that future studies of FCS should consider vascular physiological markers in order to improve our understanding of aging processes on brain connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen A Champagne
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Room 260, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Nicole S Coverdale
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Room 260, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Matti D Allen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Providence Care Hospital, 752 King St., Ontario, West Kingston, Canada
| | - Joshua C Tremblay
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Rebecca E K MacPherson
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Kyra E Pyke
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - T Dylan Olver
- Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinarian Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Douglas J Cook
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Room 260, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Room 232, 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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9
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Smith AE, Wade AT, Olds T, Dumuid D, Breakspear MJ, Laver K, Goldsworthy MR, Ridding MC, Fabiani M, Dorrian J, Hunter M, Paton B, Abdolhoseini M, Aziz F, Mellow ML, Collins C, Murphy KJ, Gratton G, Keage H, Smith RT, Karayanidis F. Characterising activity and diet compositions for dementia prevention: protocol for the ACTIVate prospective longitudinal cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e047888. [PMID: 34987038 PMCID: PMC8734009 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 40% of late-life dementia may be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors, including physical activity and diet. Yet, it is currently unknown how multiple lifestyle factors interact to influence cognition. The ACTIVate Study aims to (1) explore associations between 24-hour time-use and diet compositions with changes in cognition and brain function; and (2) identify duration of time-use behaviours and the dietary compositions to optimise cognition and brain function. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This 3-year prospective longitudinal cohort study will recruit 448 adults aged 60-70 years across Adelaide and Newcastle, Australia. Time-use data will be collected through wrist-worn activity monitors and the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults. Dietary intake will be assessed using the Australian Eating Survey food frequency questionnaire. The primary outcome will be cognitive function, assessed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III. Secondary outcomes include structural and functional brain measures using MRI, cerebral arterial pulse measured with diffuse optical tomography, neuroplasticity using simultaneous transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography, and electrophysiological markers of cognitive control using event-related potential and time frequency analyses. Compositional data analysis, testing for interactions between time point and compositions, will assess longitudinal associations between dependent (cognition, brain function) and independent (time-use and diet compositions) variables. CONCLUSIONS The ACTIVate Study will be the first to examine associations between time-use and diet compositions, cognition and brain function. Our findings will inform new avenues for multidomain interventions that may more effectively account for the co-dependence between activity and diet behaviours for dementia prevention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been obtained from the University of South Australia's Human Research Ethics committee (202639). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, conference presentations, targeted media releases and community engagement events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001659190).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh E Smith
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alexandra T Wade
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Timothy Olds
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dorothea Dumuid
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael J Breakspear
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Laver
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mitchell R Goldsworthy
- Lifespan Human Neurophysiology Group, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Limited, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael C Ridding
- Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jillian Dorrian
- Behaviour, Brain and Body Research Centre, Justice and Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Montana Hunter
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bryan Paton
- School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mahmoud Abdolhoseini
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fayeem Aziz
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maddison L Mellow
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Clare Collins
- Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition and School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen J Murphy
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Hannah Keage
- Behaviour, Brain and Body Research Centre, Justice and Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ross T Smith
- Wearable Computer Laboratory, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Frini Karayanidis
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Mohammadi H, Vincent T, Peng K, Nigam A, Gayda M, Fraser S, Joanette Y, Lesage F, Bherer L. Coronary artery disease and its impact on the pulsatile brain: A functional NIRS study. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:3760-3776. [PMID: 33991155 PMCID: PMC8288102 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have reported that optical indices of cerebral pulsatility are associated with cerebrovascular health in older adults. Such indices, including cerebral pulse amplitude and the pulse relaxation function (PRF), have been previously applied to quantify global and regional cerebral pulsatility. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these indices are modulated by cardiovascular status and whether they differ between individuals with low or high cardiovascular risk factors (LCVRF and HCVRF) and coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 60 older adults aged 57-79 were enrolled in the study. Participants were grouped as LCVRF, HCVRF, and CAD. Participants were asked to walk freely on a gym track while a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device recorded hemodynamics data. Low-intensity, short-duration walking was used to test whether a brief cardiovascular challenge could increase the difference of pulsatility indices with respect to cardiovascular status. Results indicated that CAD individuals have higher global cerebral pulse amplitude compared with the other groups. Walking reduced global cerebral pulse amplitude and PRF in all groups but did not increase the difference across the groups. Instead, walking extended the spatial distribution of cerebral pulse amplitude to the anterior prefrontal cortex when CAD was compared to the CVRF groups. Further research is needed to determine whether cerebral pulse amplitude extracted from data acquired with NIRS, which is a noninvasive, inexpensive method, can provide an index to characterize the cerebrovascular status associated with CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mohammadi
- Laboratory of Optical and Molecular ImagingBiomedical Engineering Institute, Polytechnique MontrealQuebecCanada
- Research CenterUniversity Institute of Geriatrics of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
- Research CenterEPIC Centre of Montreal Heart InstituteMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Thomas Vincent
- Research CenterEPIC Centre of Montreal Heart InstituteMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Ke Peng
- Center for Pain and the BrainBoston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Research CenterUniversity of Montreal Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Anil Nigam
- Research CenterEPIC Centre of Montreal Heart InstituteMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Mathieu Gayda
- Research CenterEPIC Centre of Montreal Heart InstituteMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Yves Joanette
- Research CenterUniversity Institute of Geriatrics of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Frédéric Lesage
- Laboratory of Optical and Molecular ImagingBiomedical Engineering Institute, Polytechnique MontrealQuebecCanada
- Research CenterEPIC Centre of Montreal Heart InstituteMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Louis Bherer
- Research CenterUniversity Institute of Geriatrics of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
- Research CenterEPIC Centre of Montreal Heart InstituteMontrealQuebecCanada
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuebecCanada
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11
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Zimmerman B, Rypma B, Gratton G, Fabiani M. Age-related changes in cerebrovascular health and their effects on neural function and cognition: A comprehensive review. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13796. [PMID: 33728712 PMCID: PMC8244108 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The process of aging includes changes in cellular biology that affect local interactions between cells and their environments and eventually propagate to systemic levels. In the brain, where neurons critically depend on an efficient and dynamic supply of oxygen and glucose, age-related changes in the complex interaction between the brain parenchyma and the cerebrovasculature have effects on health and functioning that negatively impact cognition and play a role in pathology. Thus, cerebrovascular health is considered one of the main mechanisms by which a healthy lifestyle, such as habitual cardiorespiratory exercise and a healthful diet, could lead to improved cognitive outcomes with aging. This review aims at detailing how the physiology of the cerebral vascular system changes with age and how these changes lead to differential trajectories of cognitive maintenance or decline. This provides a framework for generating specific mechanistic hypotheses about the efficacy of proposed interventions and lifestyle covariates that contribute to enhanced cognitive well-being. Finally, we discuss the methodological implications of age-related changes in the cerebral vasculature for human cognitive neuroscience research and propose directions for future experiments aimed at investigating age-related changes in the relationship between physiology and cognitive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Zimmerman
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Bart Rypma
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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12
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Zimmerman B, Kundu P, Rooney WD, Raber J. The Effect of High Fat Diet on Cerebrovascular Health and Pathology: A Species Comparative Review. Molecules 2021; 26:3406. [PMID: 34199898 PMCID: PMC8200075 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In both humans and animal models, consumption of a high-saturated-fat diet has been linked to vascular dysfunction and cognitive impairments. Laboratory animals provide excellent models for more invasive high-fat-diet-related research. However, the physiological differences between humans and common animal models in terms of how they react metabolically to high-fat diets need to be considered. Here, we review the factors that may affect the translatability of mechanistic research in animal models, paying special attention to the effects of a high-fat diet on vascular outcomes. We draw attention to the dissociation between metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia in rodents, unlike the state in humans, where the two commonly occur. We also discuss the differential vulnerability between species to the metabolic and vascular effects of macronutrients in the diet. Findings from animal studies are better interpreted as modeling specific aspects of dysfunction. We conclude that the differences between species provide an opportunity to explore why some species are protected from the detrimental aspects of high-fat-diet-induced dysfunction, and to translate these findings into benefits for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Zimmerman
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (B.Z.); (P.K.); (W.D.R.)
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Payel Kundu
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (B.Z.); (P.K.); (W.D.R.)
| | - William D. Rooney
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (B.Z.); (P.K.); (W.D.R.)
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (B.Z.); (P.K.); (W.D.R.)
- Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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13
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Mohammadi H, Gagnon C, Vincent T, Kassab A, Fraser S, Nigam A, Lesage F, Bherer L. Longitudinal Impact of Physical Activity on Brain Pulsatility Index and Cognition in Older Adults with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A NIRS Study. Brain Sci 2021; 11:730. [PMID: 34072651 PMCID: PMC8230110 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that optical indices of cerebral pulsatility, including cerebral pulse amplitude, are linked to cerebrovascular health. A chronically higher cerebral pulsatility is associated with cognitive decline. Although it is widely known that regular physical activity improves cognitive functions, little is known about the association between physical activity and the optical index of cerebral pulsatility. This study assessed the impact of 12 months of regular physical activity on the changes in the optical index of cerebral pulsatility and explored its association with cognition. A total of 19 older adults (aged 59-79 years) with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) completed the study. Low-intensity, short-duration walking as a brief cardiovascular challenge was used to study the impact of regular physical activity on post-walking changes in cerebral pulsatility index. The participants walked on a gym track while a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device recorded hemodynamics data from the frontal and motor cortex subregions. Our data indicated that 12 months of physical activity was associated with lower global cerebral pulse amplitude, which was associated with higher cognitive scores in executive functions. Further, the global cerebral pulsatility index was reduced after short-duration walking, and this reduction was greater after 12 months of regular physical activity compared with the baseline. This may be an indication of improvement in cerebrovascular response to the cardiovascular challenge after regular physical activity. This study suggests that 12 months of physical activity may support cognitive functions through improving cerebral pulsatility in older adults with CVRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mohammadi
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (H.M.); (C.G.); (T.V.); (A.N.); (F.L.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Christine Gagnon
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (H.M.); (C.G.); (T.V.); (A.N.); (F.L.)
| | - Thomas Vincent
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (H.M.); (C.G.); (T.V.); (A.N.); (F.L.)
| | - Ali Kassab
- Research Center, University of Montreal Health Centre, Montreal, QC H2X 3E4, Canada;
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Anil Nigam
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (H.M.); (C.G.); (T.V.); (A.N.); (F.L.)
| | - Frédéric Lesage
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (H.M.); (C.G.); (T.V.); (A.N.); (F.L.)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Louis Bherer
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada; (H.M.); (C.G.); (T.V.); (A.N.); (F.L.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3W 1W4, Canada
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14
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Cortical thinning is associated with brain pulsatility in older adults: An MRI and NIRS study. Neurobiol Aging 2021; 106:103-118. [PMID: 34274697 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by global brain atrophy occurring unequally across the brain. Cortical thinning is seen with aging with a larger loss in the frontal and temporal subregions. We explored the link between regional cortical thickness and regional cerebral pulsatility. Sixty healthy individuals were divided into two age groups, young (aged 19-31) and older (aged 65-75) adults. Each participant underwent a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) scan to index regional brain pulsatility from cerebral pulse-transit-time-to-the peak-of-the-pulse (PTTp), an anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) scan to measure arterial and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsatility. In older adults, the greatest association between cerebral pulsatility and cortical thickness was found in superior and middle temporal and superior, middle and inferior frontal areas, which are the regions perfused first by the internal carotid arteries. This association dropped in the postcentral and superior parietal regions. These findings suggest higher brain pulsatility as a potential risk factor contributing to cortical thinning for some brain regions more than others.
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15
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Fabiani M, Rypma B, Gratton G. Aging and cerebrovascular health: Structural, functional, cognitive, and methodological implications. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13842. [PMID: 34021598 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Bart Rypma
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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16
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Region-specific vulnerability in neurodegeneration: lessons from normal ageing. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101311. [PMID: 33639280 PMCID: PMC8024744 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Why neurodegenerative disease pathology is regionally restricted remains elusive. Regions selectively prone to neurodegeneration are also vulnerable to normal ageing. Nervous system tissue, cellular and molecular ageing may determine regional vulnerability. Differential ageing can conceptually extend from an individual to subcellular scale. An understanding of region-specific vulnerability might guide therapeutic advances.
A number of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), possess a shared characteristic of region-specific neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms which determine why particular regions within the nervous system are selectively vulnerable to neurodegeneration, whilst others remain relatively unaffected throughout disease progression, remain elusive. Here, we review how regional susceptibility to the ubiquitous physiological phenomenon of normal ageing might underlie the vulnerability of these same regions to neurodegeneration, highlighting three regions archetypally associated with AD, PD and ALS (the hippocampus, substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral spinal cord, respectively), as especially prone to age-related alterations. Placing particular emphasis on these three regions, we comprehensively explore differential regional susceptibility to nervous system tissue, cellular and molecular level ageing to provide an integrated perspective on why age-related neurodegenerative diseases exhibit region-selective vulnerability. Combining these principles with increasingly recognised differences between chronological and biological ageing (termed differential or ‘delta’ ageing) might ultimately guide therapeutic approaches for these devastating neurodegenerative diseases, for which a paucity of disease modifying and/or life promoting treatments currently exist.
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17
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Kong TS, Gratton C, Low KA, Tan CH, Chiarelli AM, Fletcher MA, Zimmerman B, Maclin EL, Sutton BP, Gratton G, Fabiani M. Age-related differences in functional brain network segregation are consistent with a cascade of cerebrovascular, structural, and cognitive effects. Netw Neurosci 2020; 4:89-114. [PMID: 32043045 PMCID: PMC7006874 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-related declines in cognition are associated with widespread structural and functional brain changes, including changes in resting-state functional connectivity and gray and white matter status. Recently we have shown that the elasticity of cerebral arteries also explains some of the variance in cognitive and brain health in aging. Here, we investigated how network segregation, cerebral arterial elasticity (measured with pulse-DOT-the arterial pulse based on diffuse optical tomography) and gray and white matter status jointly account for age-related differences in cognitive performance. We hypothesized that at least some of the variance in brain and cognitive aging is linked to reduced cerebrovascular elasticity, leading to increased cortical atrophy and white matter abnormalities, which, in turn, are linked to reduced network segregation and decreases in cognitive performance. Pairwise comparisons between these variables are consistent with an exploratory hierarchical model linking them, especially when focusing on association network segregation (compared with segregation in sensorimotor networks). These findings suggest that preventing or slowing age-related changes in one or more of these factors may induce a neurophysiological cascade beneficial for preserving cognition in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania S. Kong
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Caterina Gratton
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, IL, USA
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, IL, USA
| | - Kathy A. Low
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Chin Hong Tan
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Division of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antonio M. Chiarelli
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mark A. Fletcher
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | - Edward L. Maclin
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Bradley P. Sutton
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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18
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Abdelkarim D, Zhao Y, Turner MP, Sivakolundu DK, Lu H, Rypma B. A neural-vascular complex of age-related changes in the human brain: Anatomy, physiology, and implications for neurocognitive aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:927-944. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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19
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Optical measures of cerebral arterial stiffness are associated with white matter signal abnormalities and cognitive performance in normal aging. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 84:200-207. [PMID: 31500910 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Decline in fluid abilities in normal aging is associated with increased white matter lesions, measured on T1-weighted images as white matter signal abnormalities (WMSAs). WMSAs are particularly evident in hypertensive older adults, suggesting vascular involvement. However, because hypertension is assessed systemically, the specific role of cerebral arterial stiffening in WMSAs has yet to be demonstrated. In 93 cognitively normal adults (aged 18-87 years), we used a novel method to measure cerebral arterial elasticity (pulse relaxation function [PReFx]) with diffuse optical tomography (pulse-DOT) and investigated its association with WMSAs, age, and cognition. PReFx was associated with WMSAs, with older adults with low PReFx showing the greatest WMSA burden. PReFx in brain regions perfused by the middle cerebral artery showed the largest associations with WMSAs and partially mediated the relationship between age and WMSAs. Finally, WMSAs partially mediated the relationship between PReFx and fluid but not crystallized abilities scores. Taken together, these findings suggest that loss of cerebral arterial elasticity is associated with cerebral white matter lesions and age-related cognitive decline.
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20
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Chiarelli AM, Low KA, Maclin EL, Fletcher MA, Kong TS, Zimmerman B, Tan CH, Sutton BP, Fabiani M, Gratton G. The Optical Effective Attenuation Coefficient as an Informative Measure of Brain Health in Aging. PHOTONICS 2019; 6. [PMID: 32377515 PMCID: PMC7202715 DOI: 10.3390/photonics6030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by widespread changes in brain tissue. Here, we hypothesized that head tissue opacity to near-infrared light provides information about the health status of the brain’s cortical mantle. In diffusive media such as the head, opacity is quantified through the Effective Attenuation Coefficient (EAC), which is proportional to the geometric mean of the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients. EAC is estimated by the slope of the relationship between source–detector distance and the logarithm of the amount of light reaching the detector (optical density). We obtained EAC maps across the head in 47 adults (age range 18–75 years), using a high-density dual-wavelength optical system. We correlated regional and global EAC measures with demographic, neuropsychological, structural and functional brain data. Results indicated that EAC values averaged across wavelengths were strongly associated with age-related changes in cortical thickness, as well as functional and neuropsychological measures. This is likely because the EAC largely depends on the thickness of the sub-arachnoid cerebrospinal fluid layer, which increases with cortical atrophy. In addition, differences in EAC values between wavelengths were correlated with tissue oxygenation and cardiorespiratory fitness, indicating that information about cortical health can be derived non-invasively by quantifying the EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M. Chiarelli
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.M.C.); (M.F.); (G.G.)
| | - Kathy A. Low
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Edward L. Maclin
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Mark A. Fletcher
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Tania S. Kong
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Benjamin Zimmerman
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Chin Hong Tan
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Division of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Bradley P. Sutton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Correspondence: (A.M.C.); (M.F.); (G.G.)
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- Correspondence: (A.M.C.); (M.F.); (G.G.)
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21
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Chiarelli AM, Mahmoudzadeh M, Low KA, Maclin EL, Kongolo G, Goudjil S, Fabiani M, Wallois F, Gratton G. Assessment of cerebrovascular development and intraventricular hemorrhages in preterm infants with optical measures of the brain arterial pulse wave. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019; 39:466-480. [PMID: 28949275 PMCID: PMC6421243 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17732694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Preterm infants (born at 24-34 weeks of gestational age) suffer from a high incidence of neurological complications. Cerebrovascular lesions (intraventricular hemorrhages, IVH, and ischemic injury) due to the immaturity of the vascular system and its inability to adapt to the extra-uterine environment are the major causes of adverse neurological outcomes. We investigated the feasibility of assessing cerebrovascular status in preterm infants using a novel non-invasive optical procedure, pulse-DOT, usable within the incubator. Pulse-DOT, validated in adults, provides estimates of cerebral arterial status based on optical measurements of the pulse wave. These measurements are taken with a high-density optode montage and provide accurate spatial and temporal information. We found that two pulse parameters (pulse relaxation function, PReFx, and pulse rise time, PRT) in the investigated frontotemporal region, correlated with infant's age at recording, indexing cerebrovascular development. Moreover, PRT differentiated infants with and without concurrent IVH (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 70%). These values are at least as high as those of the resistivity index obtained with transcranial Doppler of the middle cerebral artery, the current clinical method of choice for investigating arterial elasticity in preterm infants. This makes pulse-DOT a promising tool for investigating cerebrovascular risk factors and related pathologies in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Chiarelli
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudzadeh
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), GRAMFC, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Service de Réanimation Néonatale, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Kathy A Low
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Edward L Maclin
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Guy Kongolo
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), GRAMFC, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Service de Réanimation Néonatale, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Sabrina Goudjil
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), GRAMFC, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Service de Réanimation Néonatale, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Fabrice Wallois
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), GRAMFC, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Service d’Explorations Fonctionnelles du Système Nerveux Pédiatrique, CHU Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Gabriele Gratton
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Psychology Department, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
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22
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Chiacchiaretta P, Cerritelli F, Bubbico G, Perrucci MG, Ferretti A. Reduced Dynamic Coupling Between Spontaneous BOLD-CBF Fluctuations in Older Adults: A Dual-Echo pCASL Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:115. [PMID: 29740310 PMCID: PMC5925323 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Measurement of the dynamic coupling between spontaneous Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) fluctuations has been recently proposed as a method to probe resting-state brain physiology. Here we investigated how the dynamic BOLD-CBF coupling during resting-state is affected by aging. Fifteen young subjects and 17 healthy elderlies were studied using a dual-echo pCASL sequence. We found that the dynamic BOLD-CBF coupling was markedly reduced in elderlies, in particular in the left supramarginal gyrus, an area known to be involved in verbal working memory and episodic memory. Moreover, correcting for temporal shift between BOLD and CBF timecourses resulted in an increased correlation of the two signals for both groups, but with a larger increase for elderlies. However, even after temporal shift correction, a significantly decreased correlation was still observed for elderlies in the left supramarginal gyrus, indicating that the age-related dynamic BOLD-CBF uncoupling in this region is more pronounced and can be only partially explained with a simple time-shift between the two signals. Interestingly, these results were observed in a group of elderlies with normal cognitive functions, suggesting that the study of dynamic BOLD-CBF coupling during resting-state is a promising technique, potentially able to provide early biomarkers of functional changes in the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Chiacchiaretta
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Cerritelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Clinical-Based Human Research Department-C.O.M.E. Collaboration ONLUS, Pescara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Bubbico
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Gianni Perrucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Ferretti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies (ITAB), Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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23
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Gratton G, Cooper P, Fabiani M, Carter CS, Karayanidis F. Dynamics of cognitive control: Theoretical bases, paradigms, and a view for the future. Psychophysiology 2017; 55. [DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Gratton
- Department of Psychology and Beckman InstituteUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbana Illinois USA
| | - Patrick Cooper
- School of PsychologyUniversity of NewcastleNewcastle New South Wales Australia
| | - Monica Fabiani
- Department of Psychology and Beckman InstituteUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbana Illinois USA
| | - Cameron S. Carter
- Departments of Psychiatry and PsychologyUniversity of California–DavisDavis California USA
| | - Frini Karayanidis
- School of PsychologyUniversity of NewcastleNewcastle New South Wales Australia
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