Lifestyle and Brain Vascular Function

Summary

Cognitive performance is negatively related to an impaired glucose metabolism, possibly due to impairments in brain vascular function. Supported by the statement from the American Heart and Stroke Association that a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective strategies to protect against cognitive decline, the investigators now hypothesise that healthy lifestyle intervention-induced changes in glucose metabolism cause beneficial effects on brain vascular function thereby improving cognitive performance. The primary objective of this intervention study is thus to evaluate in sedentary older men and women the effect of a 16-week aerobic-based exercise program on cerebral blood flow, as quantified by the non-invasive gold standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion method Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL). Cerebral blood flow is a robust and sensitive physiological marker of brain vascular function. Secondary objectives are to examine effects on glucose metabolism using the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-ir) and cognitive performance as assessed with a neurophysiological test battery.

Conditions

• Healthy Lifestyle
• Physical Exercise
• Healthy Diet
• Cerebrovascular Circulation
• Cerebral Blood Flow
• Glucose Metabolism
• Cognitive Performance

Interventions

OTHER

Healthy Lifestyle

The physical activity guidelines for older consist of 150 minutes per week moderate-to-high intensity exercise, two times per week muscle and bone strengthening exercises, which are combined with balance exercises. Additional health benefits can be achieved with a longer exercise duration, frequency and/or intensity. Furthermore, the amount of time sitting should be minimised. The dietary guidelines are described in detail in the so-called "The Wheel of Five". In brief, the circle is divided into four food groups and one beverage group. More than half of the circle is covered by fruits, vegetables, whole grain (containing) breads, cereals and potatoes. A much smaller part is compromised by animal source foods, spreads and cooking fats. Water, tea and coffee without sugar complete the circle.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Maastricht University Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Peter J. Joris, Dr · Maastricht University

• Ronald P. Mensink, Dr · Maastricht University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

55 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-01-22

Primary Completion

2020-12-01

Completion

2020-12-01

Countries

• Netherlands

Study Locations