Study of Cardiovascular and Brain Health in Adults Aged 40 to 59 Measuring Heart Responses to Stress and Brain Imaging

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.

Cerebrovascular Health and Resilience in Midlife