Overview
What if one of the most powerful windows into your brain health was already on your wrist?Heart rate variability (HRV) — the tiny fluctuations in time between each heartbeat — is emerging as a promising metric for understanding not just physical wellness, but the health of your mind. And researchers at Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas are at the forefront of this exciting frontier.“”
"HRV as a measure of brain health is something we're very interested in."
Lori Cook, PhD, CCC-SLP, Director of Clinical Research at Center for BrainHealth
The science is compelling. Dr. Cook and her team are actively exploring how this readily accessible metric, already built into millions of consumer smartwatches, could help unlock deeper insights into cognitive and mental wellness. Studies have linked lower HRV to a higher likelihood of depression, dementia, PTSD and schizophrenia. A landmark German research review found the same pattern across multiple robust study designs: lower HRV, higher likelihood of depression. A decade-long study tracking more than 2,200 participants reinforced this connection.At Center for BrainHealth, the vision goes beyond diagnosis with Cook and her team using HRV alongside other metrics to identify which lifestyle practices and interventions are genuinely moving the needle on brain health — and how quickly measurable change can happen.The good news is that HRV is improvable. Quality sleep and regular aerobic exercise are among the most evidence-backed strategies for nudging your numbers in the right direction — and your brain health along with it.Read the full article in the New Scientist
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