Project title: Brain Fluid Mobility in Ageing: Mechanisms and modulation of cognitive preservation

Abstract:
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a role in clearing metabolic waste from the brain, yet its contribution to cognitive ageing remains poorly understood. This project uses a novel, non-invasive 7T MRI sequence (CSF-STREAM) to quantify CSF-mobility in older adults and examine its relationship with cognitive function. Leveraging a uniquely well-characterised ageing cohort with 10 years of longitudinal data (the LISA study), we will identify blood biomarkers, lifestyle factors, and brain features that predict CSF dynamics in late life. Finally, we will test whether a 3-month aerobic exercise intervention can enhance CSF-mobility and improve cognition in older adults. This project aims to establish brain fluid dynamics as a modifiable mechanism of cognitive preservation, providing new insight into how lifestyle interventions like exercise can protect brain health in ageing.

Collaborators:

Postdoc Kristian Mortensen and Professor Hartwig Siebner (DRCMR, Hvidovre Hospital)

Professor Carl-Johan Boraxbekk, Postdoc Anne Gates, and Professor Michael Kjaer (ISMC, Bispebjerg Hospital)

Professor Lars Nyberg (Umeå University)

Assistant Professor Lydiane Hirschler (University of Leiden)

https://lundbeckfonden.com/brain-fluid-mobility-in-ageing-mechanisms-and-modulation-of-cognitive-preservation