Le vieillissement affecte les fonctions cognitives via des altérations neurovasculaires favorisant une réduction de la neurogenèse

Over the next 20 years, Canada’s senior population is expected to grow by 68% with a current estimate >6 million. In France, senior citizens currently represent 20% of the population (~15 million) with, like Canada, an anticipated growth of 67% by 2040. Age is the main cause of cognitive impairment which can have profound impact on an individual’s health, well-being, and quality of life. Normal, non-pathological aging –also called normative aging- is generally accompanied by a progressive cognitive decline particularly in hippocampal-dependent memory function. Intriguingly, age-related alterations are variable within a population. Hippocampal neurogenesis, defined as the formation of new neurons, has been associated with memory performances in rodents and humans and blood-brain barrier breakdown was recently identified as an early marker of cognitive impairment. Indeed, neurovascular adaptations modulate cognition, mood, and stress responses. During brain development, neurogenesis, and angiogenesis – growth of blood vessels – work in tandem, however, it is still unknown if these processes interact in the aging brain to favor maintenance of memory capacities vs cognitive decline. Identification of signaling pathways involved in healthy cognitive aging could lead to the development of innovative therapies targeting conditions characterized by memory impairment (neurodegenerative diseases, mood disorders, etc.).

Faculty Supervisor:

Caroline Ménard

Student:

Partner:

Université de Bordeaux

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Université Laval

Program: