Understanding how daily stress affects heart and brain health in middle-aged adults
Accelerated Vascular Aging in Midlife as a Mechanism Linking Daily Stress to Cognitive Decline
This study is testing how daily stress affects heart and brain health in middle-aged adults to see if there's a link to cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Delaware Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, Delaware) |
| Trial ID | NCT06466655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the relationship between daily stress and vascular function in middle-aged adults, aiming to uncover potential mechanisms linking stress to cognitive decline. Participants will undergo two 15-day testing cycles, during which they will complete daily online assessments of stress and brain health. At the end of each cycle, vascular function will be evaluated in a laboratory setting. The study seeks to establish the feasibility of the methodology and gather preliminary data for future research on modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy males and females aged 40-55 who do not have cognitive impairment or significant medical conditions.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 40-55 or those with cognitive impairment or unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new strategies for preventing cognitive decline by addressing the impact of daily stress on vascular health.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated a link between stress and cognitive decline, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion 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 Exclusion Criteria: Subjects will be excluded at the discretion of the PI/collaborating clinicians or for any of the following reasons: * \<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
Where this trial is running
Newark, Delaware
- University of Delaware — Newark, Delaware, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jody Greaney, PhD — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Jody Greaney, PhD
- Email: CPP-research@udel.edu
- Phone: 3028314792
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.