How midlife stress affects brain health and blood vessels
Official title: Midlife cardiovascular stress physiology and preclinical cerebrovascular disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10868774 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects blood pressure in middle-aged adults and whether that can lead to problems with brain health, like dementia, so we can find ways to help prevent cognitive decline in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $732,593 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169990-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868774 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are midlife adults aged 40-59, particularly those who may experience high blood pressure in response to stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 40-59 or those without cardiovascular stress responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between cardiovascular stress responses in midlife and the development of preclinical cerebrovascular disease. It focuses on how individuals who experience significant increases in blood pressure due to stress may be at higher risk for conditions that affect brain health, particularly dementia. The study will analyze data from a community cohort of midlife adults, examining factors like blood vessel function and blood flow to understand the underlying mechanisms of this relationship. By identifying these connections, the research aims to provide insights into preventing future cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing dementia by addressing cardiovascular health in midlife.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between cardiovascular health and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gianaros, Peter J — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gianaros, Peter J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.