Neuro-Cardiovascular Instability
The Neuro-Cardiovascular Instability (NCVI) Working Group examines the interplay between the health of the cardiovascular system, its autonomic neural regulatory systems, and the brain. The group takes a multidisciplinary approach blending skills of STEM, medical, and social scientists.
The concept of NCVI refers to abnormal neural control of the cardiovascular system, which affects the dynamic behaviour of this system. Older individuals are more prone to NCVI due to age-related physiological changes in the cardiovascular system, cerebral blood flow, autonomic nervous system, and humoral system. NCVI increases the risk of negative health outcomes, such as syncope, falls, cognitive impairment and dementia, depression, and frailty, through associated alterations in cerebral blood flow, potentially deriving from impaired cardiovascular control. The brain is highly metabolically active, and precise regulation of cerebral blood flow is essential for maintaining a reliable and adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
The ultimate aim of the group is to provide insights into the workings of these neuro-cardiovascular systems, how they are altered with ageing, and how this affects health outcomes.
TILDA's Neuro-Cardiovascular Instability Working Group is currently chaired by Ms Louise Newman (louise.newman@tcd.ie).