A new study found that older persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have higher cerebrovascular impedance—resistance in brain blood flow—than those without cognitive impairments, which could contribute to cognitive problems as they age.

Researchers using advanced ultrasound and blood pressure instruments conducted this first-of-its-kind study, highlighting a key link between vascular health and cognitive function in older adults. 

The Journal of Applied Physiology published the study, and in October, it received recognition as an APSselect article.

The study included 58 older persons with MCI and 25 age-matched individuals without cognitive problems. 

The findings revealed that MCI patients had significantly increased cerebrovascular resistance, resulting in hypoperfusion or reduced blood flow in the brain. Hypoperfusion is a significant element in brain health because it affects the brain's ability to obtain essential oxygen and nutrients. 

Without appropriate blood flow, cognitive skills may deteriorate, perhaps exacerbating symptoms of memory loss, attention, and spatial orientation.

"This study highlights the importance of brain vascular function in brain health in older adults," said Rong Zhang, PhD, a neurology professor and study's senior author.

 Zhang and his team emphasized the importance of vascular health in the brain, particularly for older adults at risk of Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia.

According to the researchers, this discovery opens up new avenues for investigating therapeutic techniques that target cerebral blood flow in at-risk older persons. 

Understanding how to lower cerebrovascular impedance, for example, may slow cognitive deterioration in MCI patients, thereby postponing or avoiding illnesses such as Alzheimer's. 

Their conclusion was: "These findings shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms of brain hypoperfusion in older adults who have a high risk of Alzheimer's disease."

The study's findings emphasize the importance of cerebrovascular health in preventing or alleviating cognitive problems that frequently arise with age. Notably, higher brain blood flow resistance is associated with increased difficulties recalling recent events, focusing on activities, and keeping orientated in time and space—symptoms commonly reported in cognitive decline.

As the population ages and the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments rises, these findings may impact future intervention strategies for preserving cognitive health by increasing brain blood flow. 

Further research may look into whether lifestyle changes, medication, or other therapies can reduce cerebrovascular impedance and improve cognitive function in older persons.