Research Theme
Vascular Aging and Brain Health Program
Program Coordinator: Dr. Richard Hughson
Research Website: http://healthy.uwaterloo.ca/~hughson/cvlab.html
Current Vascular Aging and Brain Health projects
Complete Vascular Aging and Brain Health projects
The Vascular Aging and Brain Health Program is investigating the links between cardiovascular health and the decline in cognitive function with aging. Our studies to date have shown a link between stiffer arteries throughout the body and lower brain blood flow. Additional preliminary research suggests that people with low brain blood flow do not perform as well on tests that require quick decision making. In current research that is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Heart and Stroke Foundation we are trying to discover how these changes happen. We are using noninvasive tools such as ultrasound imaging to investigate the properties of blood vessels and to measure blood flow into the different regions of the brain, and we are taking small blood samples to measure markers of accelerated aging to try to understand the mechanisms. The importance of this work stems from the fact that many aspects of cardiovascular aging can be slowed or prevented by lifestyle changes related to exercise and diet, and when necessary by appropriate medication. Specific prevention and treatment strategies based on this research will maximize the chances for all of us to maintain high quality of life as age.
Current Research Projects
| Project Name | Principal Investigator |
| Diurnal Variation in Brain Blood Flow | Andrew Robertson Dr. Rich Hughson |
| Combined cognitive training and physical activity for older adults | Dr. Safa Elgamel Dr. Mike Sharratt |
Completed Research Projects
| Project Name | Principal Investigator | Completion Date |
| The relationship of cardiovascular health indicators with frontal-executive cognitive and motor function with age | Dr. Rich Hughson |
2010 |
| Does exercise increase cerebral blood flow in healthy older adults and in older adults with mild cognitive impairment? | Dr. Safa Elgamal |
2010 |
| Get Fit For Space: Initiative | Dr. Mike Sharratt University of Waterloo |
2009 |
| Get Fit For Space: Education Sessions | Dr. Rich Hughson University of Waterloo |
2009 |
| Cardiovascular changes with aging: Effects on motor function | Andrew Robertson |
2007 |