Cardiopulmonary Fitness and Cognitive Function in Midlife: Associations with Central Elastic Arterial Stiffness and Regional Cerebral Perfusion

Abstract

Central elastic arterial stiffness is associated with accelerated brain aging and cognitive decline. By contrast, habitual aerobic exercise reduces central arterial stiffness and is related to lower risk of dementia in late life.PurposeTo determine the associations among cardiopulmonary fitness, central arterial stiffness, cognitive function, and regional cerebral perfusion in sedentary and endurance‐trained middle‐aged adults.MethodsMaximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), neuropsychological assessment, central arterial stiffness, and regional cerebral perfusion were measured in 27 healthy sedentary (53±1 years) and 32 endurance‐trained (52±1 years) adults.ResultsThe endurance‐trained subjects exhibited greater levels of VO2max, cognitive functions in total composite, memory, and attention‐executive function, and occipito‐parietal blood flow and lower central arterial stiffness than in sedentary subjects (all P<0.05). Carotid distensibility was significantly associated with both VO2max (r=0.28, P=0.046) and total cognitive composite score (r=0.30, P<0.05). Furthermore, central artery stiffness was negatively correlated with occipito‐parietal blood flow (r=−0.41–0.44, P<0.05).ConclusionsLower central arterial stiffness in endurance‐trained adults is associated with greater cognitive function and occipito‐parietal perfusion.