Daily Stress and Vascular Function in Midlife as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline

Description

The goal of this clinical trial is to better understand how day-to-day stress affects cardiovascular health and brain function in middle-aged adults. The main question is aims to answer is whether the link between daily stress and vascular dysfunction is a potential mechanism of increased risk for future cognitive decline. Participants will complete two 15-day "testing cycles" separated by \~6 months. During each cycle, participants will complete two daily assessments of stress and brain health using an online survey tool for 14-consecutive days. On the last day of each cycle, vascular function will be assessed during a laboratory visit.

Conditions

Middle-aged Adults

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to better understand how day-to-day stress affects cardiovascular health and brain function in middle-aged adults. The main question is aims to answer is whether the link between daily stress and vascular dysfunction is a potential mechanism of increased risk for future cognitive decline. Participants will complete two 15-day "testing cycles" separated by \~6 months. During each cycle, participants will complete two daily assessments of stress and brain health using an online survey tool for 14-consecutive days. On the last day of each cycle, vascular function will be assessed during a laboratory visit.

Accelerated Vascular Aging in Midlife as a Mechanism Linking Daily Stress to Cognitive Decline

Daily Stress and Vascular Function in Midlife as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline

Condition
Middle-aged Adults
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Newark

University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States, 19713

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Males and females aged 40-55 yrs
  • * Absence of objective cognitive impairment (≥26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
  • * Absence of diagnosed or unstable neurocognitive, psychiatric, cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, hepatic, autonomic, autoimmune, or dermatological diseases, as determined by medical history, physical examination, blood chemistries, and 12-lead resting electrocardiogram
  • * Participants must have a level of understanding of the English language sufficient to provide informed consent and to agree to all tests and procedures, as well as the capacity and willingness to attend all study related visits and to comply with the study protocol
  • * \<40 or \>55 yrs
  • * Objective cognitive impairment (\<26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
  • * Diagnosed or unstable neurocognitive, psychiatric, cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, hepatic, autonomic, autoimmune, or dermatological diseases
  • * Current or recent use (within 8 wks) of medications that alter cardiovascular function or psychoactive/psychopharmacological drugs
  • * Body mass index ≥35 kg/m2
  • * Resting systolic BP ≥140 mmHg
  • * HbA1c ≥5.7%
  • * Direct low-density lipoprotein ≥160mg/dl
  • * Tobacco use (including electronic cigarettes)
  • * Females who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant; female subjects of child-bearing age must have a negative urine pregnancy test on the day of all experimental visits
  • * Current or past use of hormone replacement therapy
  • * Allergy to study drugs or pharmacological agents

Ages Eligible for Study

40 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Delaware,

Jody Greaney, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Delaware

Study Record Dates

2025-06-30