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Impaired Windkessel function and proximal aortic stiffness: Linking vascular ageing to cognitive decline
Jun Sugawara1,2, Hirofumi Tanaka3,4
1Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan.
Experimental Physiology
|December 18, 2025
Summary
Central arterial stiffening contributes to cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Lifestyle interventions like aerobic exercise can preserve aortic elasticity, offering a strategy to prevent brain dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular science
- Neuroscience
- Aging research
Background:
- Central arterial stiffening, especially in the proximal aorta, is a key factor in cardiovascular disease, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment.
- Loss of Windkessel function due to stiff arteries increases pulsatile pressure and impairs brain microvascular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between proximal aortic stiffening and cognitive decline.
- To explore modifiable factors influencing central arterial stiffness and brain health.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of epidemiological data.
- Magnetic resonance imaging investigations.
- Longitudinal studies examining age-related changes and cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Disproportionate age-related stiffening of the proximal aorta is strongly linked to cognitive decline.
- Aerobic exercise and specific adaptations (e.g., Ama divers) demonstrate the potential to maintain aortic elasticity.
Conclusions:
- Targeting central arterial stiffness is a promising strategy for preventing both vascular disease and cognitive impairment.
- Interventions aimed at reducing arterial stiffness may protect brain function in aging populations.
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