Research Impact: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by lower blood oxygen level-dependent signalling in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is also sensitive to physical activity (PA). However, no studies have examined whether PFC oxygenation differs between older adults with and without GAD, or if this association is modified by PA. Here, tissue saturation index (TSI), the ratio of oxygenated haemoglobin to total tissue haemoglobin, was lower among those with GAD. This association was modified by PA. Among those not meeting PA guidelines, TSI was lower among those with GAD. Thus, PA may help protect brain health among older adults with GAD.
McDowell CP, Newman L, Monroe DC, O’Connor JD, Knight SP, Gordon BG, Kenny RA, Herring MP (2021). Associations between generalized anxiety disorder and resting-state frontal lobe cerebral oxygenation are modified by physical activity: Results from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences. (IF: 5.236; C=; Q1 Geriatrics & Gerontology; R=5/51) DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glab090
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