From U Calgary: Cerebrovascular reserve: the link between fitness and cognitive function?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22504726

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2012 Apr 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Cerebrovascular reserve: the link between fitness and cognitive function?

Davenport MH, Hogan DB, Eskes GA, Longman RS, Poulin MJ.

Source

Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary1; Life Sciences Research Institute, Dalhousie Univerisity2.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Better physical fitness in later life is positively associated with cognitive functioning. Novel data suggest 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.