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Smith PJ, Whitson HE, Merwin RM, O’Hayer CV, Strauman TJ. Engineering Virtuous health habits using Emotion and Neurocognition: Flexibility for Lifestyle Optimization and Weight management (EVEN FLOW). Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1256430. [PMID: 38076541 PMCID: PMC10702760 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1256430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Interventions to preserve functional independence in older adults are critically needed to optimize 'successful aging' among the large and increasing population of older adults in the United States. For most aging adults, the management of chronic diseases is the most common and impactful risk factor for loss of functional independence. Chronic disease management inherently involves the learning and adaptation of new behaviors, such as adopting or modifying physical activity habits and managing weight. Despite the importance of chronic disease management in older adults, vanishingly few individuals optimally manage their health behavior in the service of chronic disease stabilization to preserve functional independence. Contemporary conceptual models of chronic disease management and health habit theory suggest that this lack of optimal management may result from an underappreciated distinction within the health behavior literature: the behavioral domains critical for initiation of new behaviors (Initiation Phase) are largely distinct from those that facilitate their maintenance (Maintenance Phase). Psychological factors, particularly experiential acceptance and trait levels of openness are critical to engagement with new health behaviors, willingness to make difficult lifestyle changes, and the ability to tolerate aversive affective responses in the process. Cognitive factors, particularly executive function, are critical to learning new skills, using them effectively across different areas of life and contextual demands, and updating of skills to facilitate behavioral maintenance. Emerging data therefore suggests that individuals with greater executive function are better able to sustain behavior changes, which in turn protects against cognitive decline. In addition, social and structural supports of behavior change serve a critical buffering role across phases of behavior change. The present review attempts to address these gaps by proposing a novel biobehavioral intervention framework that incorporates both individual-level and social support system-level variables for the purpose of treatment tailoring. Our intervention framework triangulates on the central importance of self-regulatory functioning, proposing that both cognitive and psychological mechanisms ultimately influence an individuals' ability to engage in different aspects of self-management (individual level) in the service of maintaining independence. Importantly, the proposed linkages of cognitive and affective functioning align with emerging individual difference frameworks, suggesting that lower levels of cognitive and/or psychological flexibility represent an intermediate phenotype of risk. Individuals exhibiting self-regulatory lapses either due to the inability to regulate their emotional responses or due to the presence of executive functioning impairments are therefore the most likely to require assistance to preserve functional independence. In addition, these vulnerabilities will be more easily observable for individuals requiring greater complexity of self-management behavioral demands (e.g. complexity of medication regimen) and/or with lesser social support. Our proposed framework also intuits several distinct intervention pathways based on the profile of self-regulatory behaviors: we propose that individuals with intact affect regulation and impaired executive function will preferentially respond to 'top-down' training approaches (e.g., strategy and process work). Individuals with intact executive function and impaired affect regulation will respond to 'bottom-up' approaches (e.g., graded exposure). And individuals with impairments in both may require treatments targeting caregiving or structural supports, particularly in the context of elevated behavioral demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Heather E. Whitson
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Medicine, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Rhonda M. Merwin
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - C. Virginia O’Hayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Timothy J. Strauman
- Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Smith PJ, Sherwood A, Avorgbedor F, Ingle KK, Kraus WE, Hinderliter AE, Blumenthal JA. Sleep Quality, Metabolic Function, Physical Activity, and Neurocognition Among Individuals with Resistant Hypertension. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD230029. [PMID: 37212110 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistant hypertension (RH) is a major risk factor for stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia. Sleep quality is increasingly suggested to play an important role linking RH to cognitive outcomes, although the mechanisms linking sleep quality to poor cognitive function have yet to be fully delineated. OBJECTIVE To delineate biobehavioral mechanisms linking sleep quality, metabolic function, and cognitive function among 140 overweight/obese adults with RH in the TRIUMPH clinical trial. METHODS Sleep quality was indexed using actigraphy measures of sleep quality and sleep fragmentation, as well as self-reported sleep quality from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Cognitive function was assessed using a 45-minute battery assessing executive function, processing speed, and memory. Participants were randomized to a cardiac rehabilitation-based lifestyle program (C-LIFE) or a standardized education and physician advice condition (SEPA) for 4 months. RESULTS Better sleep quality at baseline was associated with better executive function (B = 0.18 p = 0.027), as well as greater fitness (B = 0.27, p = 0.007) and lower HBA1c (B = -0.25, p = 0.010). Cross-sectional analyses revealed that the sleep quality executive function association was mediated by HBA1c (B = 0.71 [0.05, 2.05]). C-LIFE improved sleep quality (-1.1 [-1.5, -0.6] versus+-0.1 [-0.8, 0.7]) and actigraphy steps (+922 [529, 1316] versus+56 [-548, 661]), with actigraphy mediating improvements in executive function (B = 0.40 [0.02, 1.07]). CONCLUSION Better metabolic function and improved physical activity patterns levels play important roles linking sleep quality and executive function in RH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Sherwood
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Forgive Avorgbedor
- Department of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Krista K Ingle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William E Kraus
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alan E Hinderliter
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James A Blumenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Lifestyle modification and cognitive function among individuals with resistant hypertension: cognitive outcomes from the TRIUMPH trial. J Hypertens 2022; 40:1359-1368. [PMID: 35703293 PMCID: PMC9246836 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistant hypertension is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, stroke, and dementia. Lifestyle modification has been suggested to improve cognitive function through its salutary effects on vascular function. METHODS Participants included 140 patients with resistant hypertension participating in the TRIUMPH trial. Participants were randomized to a cardiac rehabilitation-based lifestyle program (C-LIFE) or a standardized education and physician advice condition (SEPA). Participants completed a 45-min cognitive test battery consisting of tests of Executive Functioning and Learning, Memory, and Processing Speed. Biomarkers of vascular [flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery (FMD)], microvascular, and cerebrovascular function were also collected, in addition to weight, fitness, and ambulatory blood pressure. RESULTS Participants averaged 63 years of age, 48% women, 59% black, and obese [mean BMI = 36 kg/m 2 (SD = 4)]. Cognitive performance improved across the entire cohort during the 4-month trial [ t -scores pretreatment = 48.9 (48, 50) vs. posttreatment = 50.0 (49, 51), P < 0.001]. Postintervention Executive Function/Learning composite performance was higher for participants in C-LIFE compared to SEPA ( d = 0.37, P = 0.039). C-LIFE intervention effects on Memory and Processing Speed were moderated by sex and baseline stroke risk, respectively ( P = 0.026 and P = 0.043 for interactions), such that males and participants with greater stroke risk showed the greatest cognitive changes. FMD [C-LIFE: +0.3% (-0.3, 1.0) vs. SEPA: -1.4% (-2.5, -0.3), P = 0.022], and microvascular function [C-LIFE: 97 (65, 130) vs. SEPA: 025 (-75, 23), P < 0.001] were improved in C-LIFE compared with SEPA, whereas cerebrovascular reactivity was not [C-LIFE: -0.2 (-0.4, 0) vs. SEPA: 0.1 (-0.2, 0.4), P = 0.197). Mediation analyses suggested that increased executive function/learning was associated with reduced ambulatory SBP levels secondary to weight loss [indirect effect: B = 0.25 (0.03, 0.71)]. CONCLUSION Lifestyle modification individuals with resistant hypertension improves cognition, which appeared to be associated with reduced ambulatory SBP changes through weight loss. Cognitive improvements were accompanied by parallel improvements in endothelial and microvascular function.
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Smith PJ, Sherwood A, Hinderliter AL, Mabe S, Tyson C, Avorgbedor F, Watkins LL, Lin PH, Kraus WE, Blumenthal JA. Cerebrovascular Function, Vascular Risk, and Lifestyle Patterns in Resistant Hypertension. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 87:345-357. [PMID: 35275539 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and blunted cerebral hemodynamic recruitment are thought to be important mechanisms linking hypertension to cerebrovascular and cognitive outcomes. Few studies have examined cardiovascular or dietary correlates of CVR among hypertensives. OBJECTIVE To delineate associations between cardiometabolic risk, diet, and cerebrovascular functioning among individuals with resistant hypertension from the TRIUMPH trial (n = 140). METHODS CVR was assessed by examining changes in tissue oxygenation (tissue oxygenation index [TOI] and oxygenated hemoglobin [HBO2]) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during a breath holding test, a standardized CVR assessment to elicit a hypercapnic response. Participants also underwent fNIRS during three cognitive challenge tasks. Vascular function was assessed by measurement of brachial artery flow mediated dilation and hyperemic flow response. Cardiometabolic fitness was assessed from peak VO2 on an exercise treadmill test and body mass index. Dietary patterns were quantified using the DASH eating score. Cognitive function was assessed using a 45-minute test battery assessing Executive Function, Processing Speed, and Memory. RESULTS Greater levels fitness (B = 0.30, p = 0.011), DASH compliance (B = 0.19, p = 0.045), and lower obesity (B = -0.30, p = 0.004), associated with greater changes in TOI, whereas greater flow-mediated dilation (B = 0.19, p = 0.031) and lower stroke risk (B = -0.19, p = 0.049) associated with greater HBO2. Similar associations were found for cerebral hemodynamic recruitment, and associations between CVR and cognition were moderated by duration of hypertension. CONCLUSION Impaired CVR elevated cardiometabolic risk, obesity, vascular function, and fitness among hypertensives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Sherwood
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alan L Hinderliter
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Mabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Crystal Tyson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Forgive Avorgbedor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lana L Watkins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Pao-Hwa Lin
- Department of Medicine and Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William E Kraus
- Department of Medicine and Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - James A Blumenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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McKinnon AC, Stickel A, Ryan L. Cardiovascular risk factors and APOE-ε4 status affect memory functioning in aging via changes to temporal stem diffusion. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:502-517. [PMID: 33070365 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Prior research investigating associations between hypertension, obesity, and apolipoprotein (APOE) genotype status with memory performance among older adults has yielded inconsistent results. This may reflect, in part, a lack of first accounting for the effects these variables have on structural brain changes, that in turn contribute to age-related memory impairment. The current study sought to clarify the relationships between these factors via path modeling. We hypothesized that higher body mass index (BMI), hypertension, and being an APOE-ε4 allele carrier would predict poorer memory scores, with much of these effects accounted for by indirect effects operating via differences in the integrity of temporal stem white matter. Participants included 125 healthy older adults who underwent neuropsychological assessment and diffusion-weighted MRI scanning. Direct effects were found for hypertension and demographic variables including age, sex, and education. Importantly, indirect effects were found for BMI, hypertension, APOE-ε4 status, age, and sex, where these factors predicted memory scores via their impact on temporal stem diffusion measures. There was also a dual effect of sex, with a direct effect indicating that females had better memory performance overall, and an indirect effect indicating that females with greater temporal stem diffusion had poorer memory performance. Results suggest that changes to the integrity of temporal white matter in aging may underpin reduced memory performance. These results highlight that accounting for variables that not only directly impact cognition, but also for those that indirectly impact cognition via structural brain changes, is crucial for understanding the impact of risk factors on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C McKinnon
- Cognition and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Healthy Brain Ageing Program, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ariana Stickel
- Cognition and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.,Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lee Ryan
- Cognition and Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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