Investigating the Brain-Heart Connection

Observational Study

Get in touch about this study

What is the study about?

The goal of the study is to examine the relationship between heart rhythms and memory or mood symptoms in older adults. Previous studies have shown that higher heart rate variability (HRV), or variation and timing of each heartbeat, is associated with greater heart and emotional health. The research question being asked is if HRV can also be used as a marker of cognitive health in older adults.

 

Eligibility- Who can participate?

Participants must:

  • Be 60 years of age or older
  • Have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and/or a history of depression or be a healthy volunteer
  • Be fluent in English

Time requirement

3-4 visits to Baycrest over 1-2 weeks. Each visit will take approximately 1-2 hours each. The visits include a baseline/ screening assessment, mood and cognitive assessments, and the heart rate assessment and breathing task.

 

TDRA study investigator

Dr. Linda Mah

 

Video

Advances in Dementia Research Webinar- Listen to Dr. Linda Mah (Co-Principal Investigator) discuss the Investigating the Brain-Heart Connection study in further detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCD-IDRCx4Y 

TDRA Site:

Baycrest

Address: 3560 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2E1

Age Group:

, , , , ,

Target Population:

, ,

Can't find a study you're interested in?

Give us your feedback

Do you have questions about research studies you saw on this page? Please contact tdra@utoronto.ca

Disclaimer

The listing of a study on the Toronto Dementia Network (TDN) is for informational purposes only. The safety, efficacy or scientific validity of the studies listed here have not been evaluated by The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) or the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance (TDRA). The TDRA is an academic coalition among the University of Toronto and four memory clinics across Toronto at Baycrest, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. The information collected will be kept and guarded by TDRA. Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Before you participate in a study, you should make sure you understand the risks and potential benefits and discuss all options with your health care provider(s).