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Hemodynamic changes during aging associated with cerebral blood flow and impaired cognitive function
R S Ajmani1, E J Metter, R Jaykumar
1National Institutes of Health, Gerontology Research Center, Laboratories of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigation, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Neurobiology of Aging
|June 27, 2000
Summary
Aging impairs blood flow to the brain due to changes in blood properties and oxidative stress. These factors, along with amyloid proteins, may contribute to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in hemorheological properties and cerebral blood flow.
- Oxidative stress and amyloid proteins are implicated in age-related cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-associated changes in hemorheology and cerebral blood flow.
- To explore the role of oxidative stress and amyloids in these changes.
- To assess the link between hemorheology, blood flow, and cognitive function in aging.
Main Methods:
- Partial correlation analysis to link hemorheological properties with flow velocities.
- In vitro incubation of red blood cells with amyloids.
- Animal intervention studies on cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Age-dependent decrease in cerebral blood flow velocities is partly attributed to hemorheological changes.
- Enhanced oxidative stress in aged individuals contributes to hemorheological impairment.
- In vitro amyloid exposure augments red blood cell hemorheological impairment.
- Altered hemorheology in animal models impacts cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Oxidative stress and amyloids influence blood's fluid properties during aging, potentially reducing brain oxygen delivery.
- These hemorheological changes may be a mechanism in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease.
- Intervention targeting hemorheology could be a strategy for cognitive health in aging.