Cortical Myelination, Cognition, and Cardiovascular Fitness: New Insights using Advanced Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry.
Abstract
Alterations in grey matter (GM) are known to contribute to cognitive decline in aging and dementia. Recent evidence suggests that individuals with higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may have a lower risk of GM atrophy and subsequent cognitive decline. However, the role of cortical myelination in cognitive decline and its association with CRF remains elusive. We used two microstructure MRI measures: MWF, which is a direct measure of myelin content, and R1, which is sensitive to lipids, the main constituents of myelin, to first, investigate the relationship between myelination and longitudinal changes in cognition, and second, determine whether higher CRF is associated with higher myelination in cortical regions.
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Research summary
The paper investigates the relationship between cortical myelination, cognition, and cardiovascular fitness, which are important factors in understanding cognitive decline associated with aging. While it addresses aspects of brain health and fitness that could contribute to longevity, it primarily focuses on associations rather than root causes of aging or mechanisms for lifespan extension. The findings may provide solid insights into cognitive health but do not represent a significant breakthrough in the field of longevity research.
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