Researcher Profile Detail
Dr. Richard Hughson
BSc (University of Western Ontario), MSc (University of British Columbia), PhD (McMaster University)
Schlegel Research Chair in Vascular Aging and Brain Health
Professor, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo
BIOGRAPHY
As we age, our arteries get stiffer and blood flow to the brain is reduced but we do not know if there are specific mechanisms linking these observations. There are large differences between people in the rate at which vascular aging occurs and its consequences. Exactly how our genetic makeup interacts with important lifestyle factors such as regular exercise and appropriate nutrition needs to be investigated. The Schlegel Research Chair in Vascular Aging and Brain Health will be dedicated to examining the role of healthy lifestyle interventions of exercise and nutrition so that more people can reach older age in good physical condition with their full cognitive capabilities.
Dr. Hughson's research is investigating the links between cardiovascular aging and changes in brain blood flow. Evidence is showing that important lifestyle factors such as regular exercise and appropriate nutrition can help to keep blood vessels from stiffening. What is not known yet is how effectively this will assist in maintaining higher brain blood flow with aging. Another problem under investigation is the dizziness that can occur because brain blood flow decreases in many older people when they get up from lying bed or sitting in a chair. It might be unexpected but these down to Earth problems of aging have parallels in astronauts on the International Space Station and Dr. Hughson is using what he learns from studying astronauts to help with the aging research and to inspire seniors to exercise.
KEY PUBLICATIONS
Robertson AD, Tessmer CF, Hughson RL. Association between arterial stiffness and cerebrovascular resistance in the elderly. J Human Hypert. 24:19-196, 2010.
Faisal A, Dyson KS, Hughson RL. Prolonged ischemia impairs muscle blood flow and oxygen uptake dynamics during subsequent heavy exercise. J Physiol. 588: 3785-97, 2010.
Hughson RL. Recent findings in cardiovascular physiology with space travel. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 169 Suppl 1: S38-41, 2009.
Arbeille P, Kerbeci P, Mattar L, Shoemaker JK, Hughson RL. Insufficient flow reduction during LBNP in both splanchnic and lower limb areas is associated with orthostatic intolerance after bed rest. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 295: H1846-54, 2008.
Denniss SG, Haffner TD, Kroetsch JT, Davidson SR, Rush JWE, Hughson RL. Effect of short-term lycopene supplementation and postprandial dyslipidemia on plasma antioxidants and biomarkers of endothelial health in young, healthy individuals. Vasc Health Risk Management. 4: 213-22, 2008.
Edgell H, Zug KA, Greaves DK, Shoemaker JK, Custaud MA, Kerbeci P, Arbeille P, Hughson RL. WISE-2005: Adrenergic responses of countermeasures. Am J Physiol. 293: R2343-52, 2007.
Fisher D, Arbeille P, Shoemaker JK, O'Leary DD, Hughson RL. Altered hormonal regulation and blood flow distribution with cardiovascular deconditioning after short-duration head down bed rest. J Appl Physiol. 103: 2018-25, 2007.
RESEARCH WEBSITE
http://healthy.uwaterloo.ca/~hughson/cvlab.html
http://www.ahs.uwaterloo.ca/kin/people/RichHughson.html
CONTACT INFORMATION
| Email: | hughson@uwaterloo.ca |
| Phone: | 519.888.4567 ext. 32516 |
| Address: |
Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Burt Matthews Hall, Room 3116 University of Waterloo 200 University Ave. West Waterloo, ON CANADA N2L 3G1 |