Age Related Changes in Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Its Relationship to Global Brain Structure

Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2015, Vol 7, Issue 10

Abstract

Introduction: There is growing evidence to suggest that vascular and CSF haemodynamic effects are related to structural changes in the ageing brain. We investigated these effects in a sample of healthy participants by measuring changes in cerebrovascular reactivity induced by hypercapnia and comparing these to global and ROI based cerebral volume measures. Methods: Forty five participants aged 21 to 58 years (23 female) were recruited. Cerebrovascular reactivity was determined from hypercapnia induced BOLD signal change during two 3-minute intervals of breathing 6% CO2, interleaved with three 2-minute intervals of breathing room air. Parametric maps of reactivity were calculated as the ratio of % BOLD signal change to end-tidal CO2 (mmHg). High resolution 3D T1-weighted images were segmented and lateral ventricle volume and white matter hypointensity volume determined. Results: Significant negative correlations between both grey matter (p = .042) and white matter (p = .021) reactivity and age were found and significant negative correlations between grey matter (p = .013) and white matter (p = .004) reactivity and lateral ventricle volume were also found while correcting for age and total intracranial volume. A significant negative correlation between white matter reactivity and white matter hypointensity volume was found (p = .049) after correcting for age. Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that cerebrovascular haemodynamics influence structural brain changes that occur during normal ageing that are independent of the age of the individual.

Authors and Affiliations

Gordon D. Waiter, George G. Cameron, Trevor S. Ahearn, Christian Schwarzbauer, Alison D. Murray

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP348013
  • DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2015/16889
  • Views 68
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Gordon D. Waiter, George G. Cameron, Trevor S. Ahearn, Christian Schwarzbauer, Alison D. Murray (2015). Age Related Changes in Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Its Relationship to Global Brain Structure. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 7(10), 809-820. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-348013