It has been stated that ?a person is only as old as his/her arteries? (Sir William Osler ~ 1898). With aging, large central arteries such as the aorta and carotid arteries lose their elasticity while small peripheral arteries lose their ability to dilate and constrict in response to perturbations. Vascular dysfunction may affect blood flow delivery to the brain, directly impacting cognitive performance. African Americans have premature vascular aging, which may contribute to premature cognitive aging. In our first aim, we will examine racial differences in novel measures of arterial stiffness, endothelial function, cerebral blood flow and cognitive function. In our second aim, we will explore dynamic changes in aforementioned parameters during a cognitive challenge. Results from this study may suggest a crucial vascular component to racial differences in cognitive performance. Early intervention to target specific aspects of premature vascular aging in AAs as identified in this study may lead to better preservation of cognitive function with advancing age and help abrogate racial disparities in hypertensive cerebrovascular damage and cognitive impairment in later life.

Public Health Relevance

Reduced artery elasticity, as naturally occurs with aging, has a negative effect on blood flow to the brain. This study will examine if premature artery aging in African Americans disproportionally affects brain blood flow during cognitive engagement offering insight into racial differences in cognitive decline with aging.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03MD011306-01A1
Application #
9456164
Study Section
Clinical and Integrative Cardiovascular Sciences Study Section (CICS)
Program Officer
Rajapakse, Nishadi
Project Start
2017-09-25
Project End
2019-05-31
Budget Start
2017-09-25
Budget End
2018-05-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Syracuse University
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Education
DUNS #
002257350
City
Syracuse
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
13244