The m-1AChR antagonist (THP), but not the α-7-nAChR antagonist (MLA), partially reversed these regulatory effects of EA.<h4>Conclusion</h4>EA dilates cerebral arterioles by up-regulating the ACh/NO pathway within cholinergic vasodilation system, thereby alleviating cognitive impairment induced by VaD. This evidence concerns the gene CHRNA7 and Cognitive impairment.