CHARM Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you a relatively healthy adult between the ages of 40 and 59? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about how the brain relates to heart health. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

CHARM is a new and first-of-its-kind study about the connection between heart health and the brain. As you probably know, many things, such as our life experiences, social circumstances, health behaviors and other factors, can influence our heart health. In CHARM, we are trying to understand how heart health might also relate to brain health.

This research study is being done to understand the relationships between heart health and brain health among adults. Prior studies suggest that people who have signs of good heart health for their age also have good brain health. In this study, we are using advanced technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, to better understand which signs of heart health are especially important for brain health. Results from this study may one day help to expand the information that can be used to understand what influences brain health as people age.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 40 to 59 
• In good general physical health
• Do not have sleep apnea
• Do not take oral steroids or medications for neurological conditions
• Do not have a history of heart attacks, strokes, or cardiac conditions
• Are not pregnant
• Are comfortable with having an MRI

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

The study involves a total of two separate visits that each last 2-3 hours.

• Visit 1 will take up to 3 hours, to verify eligibility, obtain health and demographic information, and measure heart health and activity while you are resting and performing a cognitive task.
• Visit 2 will take about 2.5 hours, that would involve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of your brain and tests of your cognitive functions, like memory and attention.
• In between the 2 visits you will be asked to fill out questionnaires on a secured website that will take about an hour to complete.