Exercised state of mind: A perspective on ageing, cerebral blood flow and cognition

Cerebrovascular ageing is associated with stiffening of the large extra-cranial arteries and compromised endothelial function. Moreover, there evidence that measures cerebrovascular function decrease across adulthood (Bailey et al. 2013). Whether cerebral blood flow (CBF) declines lifespan a topic debate, potentially mediated by method employed 2013; Wu 2016). Transcranial Doppler (TCD) affords assessment middle artery velocity (MCAv) posterior velocity, as surrogate for CBF, whereas duplex ultrasound magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide global regional CBF. Chronic reductions in CBF measured via MRI are related to cognitive impairment clinical cohorts. However, impact acute reversible alterations on older healthy individuals unknown. If adults have lower resting they may be more susceptible during This vulnerability could further exacerbated decline MCAv seen prolonged sitting (Wheeler 2019), highlighting important public health implications sedentary/sitting time. Furthermore, research has primarily focused adulthood. Thus, relationships between time, cognition childhood adolescence, comprising key stages learning development, not understood. In recent publication The Journal Physiology, Shoemaker (2021) placebo-controlled, single-blinded, randomized cross-over design assessing performance (via TCD) pre- post-indomethacin ingestion. recruited 13 young (25 ± 4 years) 12 (58 6 hypothesized indomethacin would impair greater extent compared adults. contrast their hypothesis, despite 15% participants, reported resilience an reduction (31%) Remarkably, was only ∼7% performance, both attributed elevated cardiorespiratory fitness respective age population cohort, implying lifelong habitual activity mitigate acutely reduced Overall, these findings novel data ageing. These also suggest (i) directly translate or (ii) protect face challenge. used induce reactivity hypercapnia (CVRCO2) healthy, physically active A been observed periods sedentary behaviour although without any change CVRCO2. Ironically, it now feasible, indeed probable, people achieve recommended daily dose physical at same time being predominantly day, previously oppugnant idea serious implications. Prolonged sitting, feature modern working negatively impacts metabolic vascular health. It (Mullane 2017) assessed similar computerized (2021). disparate Mullane (2017) interaction decreased altered profile, evident but elicits (−10.5%) which significantly than magnitude induced (∼−31%) (Shoemaker Wheeler (2019) overweight/obese cohort offset either combination morning bout exercise walking breaks throughout day alone. supplemented resulted fewer sharp MCAv. implies regular promote temporally consistent breaking up addition specific sessions. remains determined. higher when undertaking hourly desk-based cycling walking, standing conditions. this enhanced preserved intriguing proposition; however, previous studies colleagues do support notion. Sedentary results 2019). Despite this, causal link impaired established cohorts, individuals. Taken together, meeting guidelines alone sufficient negate consequences performance. especially pertinent investigate age-related inactivity risk developing neurocognitive disease. agrees reports sustained adults, following administration, reflect proficient result chronic adherence activity. Bailey (2013) aerobic males values capacity exercise-trained (: 42 11 vs 39 mL∙min−1∙kg−1, respectively), lifelong, activity-mediated modulation regulation relative neuronal demand. explain slower scores Similarly, less hypoxic insults mild leading degenerative diseases. influence training function, metabolism human warrants investigation variety methodological techniques. Indeed, middle-age acquired TCD always replicated (Wu limitations anatomical physiological (mal)adaptations age. (2016) highlight distinct changes structure, cognition. Specifically, increases evolutionary protracted stage adolescence. adolescence coincides cognitive, biological, psychological social alongside neural synaptic pruning myelination, well cardiovascular adaptations oxygen carrying capacity. proportional probably precursor limits Emerging suggests period where its tighter regulatory control. represents anchor regulation, high demands lack substrate storage predispose paediatric brain (mal)adaption recurring diminished As such, optimizing increasingly implications, effect COVID-19 pandemic activity, sedentariness There some improves facets hippocampal pre-adolescent children. equivocal. whether children indices relevant stimuli investigated. study eloquently investigated ingestion Their foundations linking lifespan. Based debate data, establish response interventions specifically targeting vasodilatation vasoconstriction cerebrovasculature aiming quantify responses will allow insight into Longitudinal required expose relationship long-term function/health. Specific attention should paid role behaviour, strategies establishing No competing interests declared. All authors contributed conception article, drafting work revising critically intellectual content. given final approval version published agree accountable all aspects work. None.