EXOLACTABRAIN

Considering the scientific evidence supporting that regular physical exercise enhances cognitive performance across the lifespan, the World Organisation of Health advocates regular physical activity to prevent neurodegenerative diseases and early-onset dementia. Among the several neurophysiological mechanisms involved/evoked to explain cognitive enhancement, the mechanism of neurovascular coupling (NVC), seems to be of paramount significance. This mechanism is especially crucial, as a decrease in NVC can account for the age-related cognitive decline and may also contribute to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Nonetheless, several cross-sectional studies have observed that individuals with higher levels of physical fitness, thanks to regular physical activity, exhibit greater NVC in the prefrontal cortex, associated with better executive cognitive performance. However, a comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with NVC in humans, the use of animal models is required. Longtime considered as a metabolic waste product, lactate now could play a key role in the interplay between physical exercise and cognitive functioning, primarily through its functions as a cellular messenger and substrate. The main objective of this research project, adopting translational and multidisciplinary approaches, is to determine the specific role of endogenous lactate resulting from physical exercise in the neurovascular coupling associated with cognitive improvements. To reach this objective, this multidisciplinary project will be carried out thanks to 4 work packages. Two of them will be devoted to animal studies and the two remainders to human studies. Investigating the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms between physical exercise and cognitive performance has a direct societal impact: To prescribe the appropriate type of physical exercise to promote cognitive health.