Actively Recruiting
Cerebrovascular Health and Resilience in Midlife
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2025-09-26
450
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
N
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how cardiovascular responses to brief psychological stress relate to brain and heart health in adults aged 40 to 59. This study focuses on adults without clinical cardiovascular disease or dementia and aims to understand links between stress-induced changes in heart function and markers of cerebrovascular health seen on MRI scans. The research explores behavioral, social, and biological factors affecting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health during midlife. Participants complete two sessions: one involves questionnaires on demographics and health, body composition measurements, and cardiovascular evaluations including blood pressure and heart rate. They also perform a brief, challenging psychological task called the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task while cardiovascular activity is recorded. The other session includes magnetic resonance imaging to assess brain and cerebrovascular structures and neuropsychological tests measuring memory, attention, and processing speed. Throughout the study, participants complete online questionnaires. Researchers measure changes in systolic blood pressure from rest to task, brain imaging markers such as white matter hyperintensity burden and hippocampal volume, vascular function including pulse wave velocity and endothelial function, and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity. The study monitors cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health indicators to better understand how stress affects brain and heart function in midlife adults. Participation includes two study visits and online assessments, with safety and comfort during MRI and testing ensured.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cerebrovascular Health and Resilience in Midlife
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Able to attend 2 study visits at the University of Pittsburgh campus in Oakland (Pennsylvania)
- Able to read and speak English
- Age between 40 and 59 years
You will not qualify if you...
- 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 treatment in the past 12 months (except non-melanoma skin cancer, 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 unsafe for MRI (e.g., tattooed eyeliner) or other contraindications preventing MRI
- Self-reported lack of comfort to undergo the laboratory math task
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete cardiovascular and cerebrovascular assessments, including magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological tests, to evaluate brain and heart health.
2 visits at the University of Pittsburgh campus
Duration - Single session
Participants complete a 4-minute Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task to study cardiovascular responses to acute psychological stress and complete brief questionnaires about their experience.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Peter J Gianaros, PhD
S
Sara Boyko, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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