Cerebrovascular Health and Resilience in Midlife

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH · Aug 31, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "Cerebrovascular Health and Resilience in Midlife," is studying how our hearts and blood vessels respond to stress. Researchers want to understand how temporary stress affects overall heart health and brain function in adults. To do this, participants will take part in two study visits at the University of Pittsburgh. In the first visit, they will answer questions about their health, have their heart rate and blood pressure checked, and complete a short, challenging task while their heart activity is monitored. During the second visit, participants will undergo a brain scan and complete tests that measure memory and attention.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be between the ages of 18 and 65, able to read and speak English, and willing to attend both study visits. However, those with certain health conditions, like uncontrolled high blood pressure or neurological disorders, may not qualify. This study aims to gather important information that could help us understand the links between stress, heart health, and brain health in adults, which could lead to better ways to support well-being in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Able to attend 2 study visits at the University of Pittsburgh campus in Oakland (Pennsylvania)
• • Able to read and speak English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure \>160 or diastolic blood pressure \>100 mmHg)
• • Current use of anticonvulsant, anti-Parkinson, neuroleptic, or antipsychotic medications
• • Current use of glucocorticoids (e.g., oral prednisone) or ephedrine
• • Current chronic conditions of the lungs, liver and kidney, as well as cancer (chemotherapy and radiation) treatment in the past 12 months (allowances are made for non-melanoma skin cancer treatment, controlled asthma, and allergy inhalers)
• • Self-reported major neurological disorders or brain injuries (e.g., multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, major head injury)
• • Self-reported psychotic illnesses (mania, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
• • Current pregnancy or childbirth within the past 6 months
• • Suspected mild cognitive impairment or dementia
• • Self reported sleep apnea
• • Self-reported history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or revascularization procedures, as well as treatment for cardiac arrhythmias
• • Self-reported lack of comfort to undergo MRI testing
• • Presence of implants or objects that are unsafe for MRI (e.g., tattooed eyeliner), as well as any other contraindications that would prevent MRI testing
• • Self-reported lack of comfort to undergo the laboratory math task