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Neurovascular coupling responses and cognitive function: The impact of aging and the interventional effect of exercise

HE Yi-Min, WU Chun-Li, DONG Yu-Mo, WU Hua-Duo, WANG Qian, JIANG Ning^*

Tianjin Key Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China

Abstract

Aging is a natural process accompanied with a progressive deterioration of cognitive functions. With an aging population, more and more elderly people are suffering from cognitive impairment. Previous studies have paid more attention to the impact of inflammation and oxidative stress on cognitive function during aging. Recently, it has been discovered that neurovascular coupling (NVC), a mechanism regulating cerebral blood flow, may play a significant role in aging-related cognitive impairment. NVC responses regulate the supply of energy substances and oxygen during brain activity, which in turn enhances cognitive function. However, as people grow older, NVC responses gradually weaken, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying aging-induced cognitive impairment. Given the important role of NVC responses in the brain, it is necessary to search for intervention methods that can improve NVC responses and promote cognitive function. Exercise is an effective means to delay aging and improve cognitive function. It also has a certain promoting effect on NVC responses. This article reviews the regulatory mechanisms of NVC responses, the relationship between NVC responses and cognitive function, and explores the effects of aging and exercise intervention on NVC responses, hoping to provide new research ideas for exercise intervention to improve NVC responses and promote cognitive function in the elderly.

Key words: neurovascular coupling; cognitive function; aging; exercise

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: 姜宁　　E-mail: ningyunlong@163.com

DOI: 10.13294/j.aps.2023.0092

Citing This Article：

HE Yi-Min, WU Chun-Li, DONG Yu-Mo, WU Hua-Duo, WANG Qian, JIANG Ning. Neurovascular coupling responses and cognitive function: The impact of aging and the interventional effect of exercise. Acta Physiol Sin 2023; 75 (6): 903-917 (in Chinese with English abstract).