Cerebrovascular reactivity deficits in older adults with elevated levels of plasma vascular injury markers

Cerebrovascular dysfunction occurs with advancing age and is known to contribute to cognitive decline and dementia. Cerebrovascular reactivity is a marker of cerebrovascular function and represents the ability of cerebral blood vessels to regulate cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to vasodilatory or vasoconstrictive stimuli. Deficits in CVR may contribute to vascular injury and cognitive impairment, however the mechanisms underlying this pathophysiology remain unknown. To explore whether inflammation and endothelial dysfunction may be involved in CVR deficits, we examined whether plasma levels of vascular injury markers indicative of such processes are associated with CVR deficits in older adults.