Cerebrovascular reserve: the link between fitness and cognitive function?

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2012 Jul;40(3):153-8. doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e3182553430.

Abstract

Better physical fitness in later life is associated positively with cognitive functioning. Novel data suggest that this association is mediated, in part, by increases in brain perfusion and the ability of cerebral blood vessels to respond to demand. This review presents evidence on the beneficial effects of exercise on cerebrovascular and cognitive health with aging and explores potential underlying vascular-related mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation*
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Humans