Abstract
BackgroundTreatment resistant hypertension (TRH) is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, which may be reduced by healthy lifestyle changes.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of a comprehensive, rehabilitation-based lifestyle hprogram on cognitive function during a one-year follow-up of participants from the TRIUMPH clinical trial.MethodsAmong the 140 TRIUMPH participants originally randomized, 91 (65%) were available for one-year assessments prior to the COVID-19 lockdown. Participants were originally randomized to a Cardiac rehabilitation-based LIFEstyle program (C-LIFE) or to a Standardized Education and Physician Advice (SEPA) condition for 4-months. During their one-year follow-up, participants underwent assessments of sleep quality, body mass index, actigraphy-assessed physical activity levels, and cerebrovascular reactivity using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Cognitive function was assessed using a 45-min test battery incorporating tests of Executive Function/Learning, Memory, and Processing Speed. Regression-based models incorporating reliable change indices were used to assess cognitive change.ResultsParticipants included 91 individuals (mean age = 63.6 [SD = 8.6]), evenly distributed in biological sex and race/ethnicity, and tended to be college-educated. The C-LIFE group had more preserved cognitive functioning compared to SEPA (C-LIFE: z = -0.26 [-0.40, -0.12] versus SEPA: -0.60 [-0.81, -0.39]; d = 0.44, p = 0.008), with reduced PSQI sleep symptoms associating with more preserved cognitive function (B = -0.18, p = 0.050 per 3-points). Treatment did not improve fNIRS markers, although changes in weight and physical activity associated with fNIRS outcomes.ConclusionsLifestyle modification may help preserve cognitive functioning among individuals with resistant hypertension.