Vascular Roads to a Healthier Brain: Lutein Moderates the Influence of Arterial Stiffness on Cognitive Function.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Arterial stiffness, assessed via carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), is a marker of vascular aging that may contribute to cognitive decline. Serum carotenoids, with antioxidant properties, may mitigate these effects, but their role in moderating neurovascular-cognitive relationships remains unclear.

Objectives

This study examined: 1) associations between cfPWV and executive function, 2) the contribution of serum carotenoids in predicting cfPWV, and 3) whether carotenoids moderate the relationship between cfPWV and executive function.

Methods

A total of 60 adults (38.6 ± 17.57 y, 70% female) provided measures of cfPWV, serum carotenoids (lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and β-cryptoxanthin), and executive function using Flanker and Go/No-Go

SUBMITTER: Verma S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12799586 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature