Health
Clinical Trial Aims to Reduce Depression, Improve Quality of Life After Stroke
To learn more about the clinical trial, visit the ReStoreD website, call (385)-799-1515, or email ReStoreD@utah.edu.
Credit: University of Utah Health
In the eight-week ReStoreD program, couples coping with stroke learn and practice goal setting, communication strategies, and positive psychology activities.
Newswise — Following up on positive results from preliminary research, scientists at University of Utah Health are evaluating whether an eight-week program based on positive psychology techniques can improve the mood and well-being of people who have had a stroke and those who care for them. The National Institutes of Health-funded ReStoreD (Resilience in Stroke survivor-care partner Dyads) clinical trial involves both the stroke survivor and their spouse or care partner. Together, the couple takes part in planned activities that can be done at home.
The study will recruit 200 couples in which one partner has had a stroke within the past three months to three years. Couples must have lived together for at least six months and may reside anywhere in the U.S.
“This approach is different from others that address pathology or things that are wrong,” says Alexandra Terrill, Ph.D., leader of the new clinical trial and associate professor of occupational and recreational therapies at U of U Health. “Instead, we’re taking a ‘building what’s strong’ approach.”
In the eight-week program, couples coping with stroke learn and practice goal setting, communication strategies, and positive psychology activities, such as expressing gratitude, finding meaning, and fostering connections. As a part of each module, participants view educational videos or read materials to learn about topics, such as resilience, coping, and well-being, that relate to adjusting to life after stroke. Then, they carry out activities related to the week’s theme.
Activities can be as simple as writing a thank you note, performing a good deed, or reflecting on an enjoyable experience.
“We’re very good at prescribing blood pressure medicines and anti-thrombotics to help prevent the next stroke,” says Jennifer Majersik, M.D., a neurologist and stroke specialist at U of U Health who is a collaborator on the study. “But stroke survivors need something beyond just a pill to really help them reintegrate into their family lives and the community.”
Addressing post stroke depression and resilience
Preliminary research with 34 couples showed that the intervention decreased post stroke depression and improved resilience in stroke survivors, and these changes were maintained for at least three months after the program ended. Resilience is having the ability to adapt and cope when faced with challenges. Findings were more mixed for care partners, but those who had depressive symptoms and lower resilience also saw improvements. The studies’ results were based on self-report questionnaires and standardized measures.
The new trial seeks to confirm these results on a larger scale and provide additional evidence that the behavioral intervention lowers emotional distress in both partners. The trial will also examine effects on relationship quality, stroke-related stress, and engagement in meaningful activities.
“There is a common assumption that feeling depressed or anxious is to be expected after sustaining a stroke and that mental health issues will resolve spontaneously once a person returns home,” Terrill says. “Unfortunately, this is often not the case.”
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, affecting nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. every year. The life-changing event can alter speech, movement, or cognition, causing a stroke survivor to lose their independence. As a result, 30 to 50 percent of people coping with stroke, along with their partners, experience depression or emotional distress.
Positive psychology could be a relatively simple, cost-effective solution to this problem, Terrill says. She is a clinical psychologist with specialized training in rehabilitation. More broadly, she researches the role of relationships and positive psychology in managing chronic conditions. If successful, the novel approach being tested in ReStoreD could become a sustainable and accessible means to improve recovery and quality of life.
“I’ve seen it affect patients and their partners in a positive way,” Majersik says. “It’s shown me that we can continue to bend the curve of stroke recovery, not just by medicines or technology but also by using what I consider to be pretty simple tools. And that matters.”
Watch this video to learn more about the research.
Source: Julie Kiefer/ University of Utah Health
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(Family Features) If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, a clinical trial may be an option for you. Clinical trials are necessary for finding new ways of preventing, detecting or treating these diseases and others. To learn more about inflammatory bowel disease clinical research, visit crohnscolitisfoundation.org/clinical-trials-community and consider resources from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation that can provide information on types of clinical trials, what to expect when participating in a clinical study, questions to ask your doctor, stories from clinical trial participants, how to find a clinical trial and more.
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Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
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(Family Features) A walk isn’t just good for your body; it’s a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being. Yet physical activity levels in the United States continue to decline, a trend threatening both mental and physical health.
Less than half of adults and fewer than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update.
National recommendations call for children to get at least one hour of physical activity each day, but the latest statistics show less than 19% of children in the U.S. achieve that target. Meanwhile, less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity.
What’s more, according to data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1 in 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health.
For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country through events like National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 2. These tips and information can help you understand how a brisk walk can make a world of difference for heart health and mental clarity.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.
The physical health benefits may be obvious, but research suggests physical activity can also help bring more joy to your life. According to the 2019 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to experience depression.
Regular physical activity enhances your mood, sharpens your mind, improves sleep and boosts overall well-being, all while reducing the risk of disease and depression and increasing both the quality and longevity of life.
How to Be More Physically Active
Exercise as simple as a brisk walk can put a major spring in your step. It can even energize you to finish other tasks at hand, whether it’s cooking or running errands. Give your daily physical activity level a boost with these tips:
- Exercising outdoors is a great way to get moving. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood. It’s even better if you can enjoy the sunshine outside, which can improve mood, boost your immunity and help you get some vitamin D.
- Invite a family member or friend along with you. It’s good for them, it’s good for you and it’s good company all around.
- Instead of wondering if you’ll move today, explore how you’ll move. A walk, a dance or a stretch all count.
Getting Pets Involved
Pets are part of your family, and they can help you get healthy together. Pets provide a fun reason to spend more time outside and get the exercise needed to reduce the risk of disease later in life.
Getting moving along with your pet adds more exercise to your routine, which means living longer, reducing risk of dying from heart attack or stroke, reducing risk of diabetes, reducing stress and even boosting your overall happiness and well-being.
Exercising with your pet can also mean enjoying more socializing. You may find yourself meeting other dog owners in your area on a walk or at the dog park.
Learn more about how simple habits like walking can support your overall health at heart.org/MoveMore.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
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Food and Beverage
Add This Superfruit to Your Menu for Heart-Healthy Meals: Make recipes nutritious and delicious with avocados
(Family Features) It’s no secret that adding greens to your menu – morning, noon and night – can go a long way toward healthier eating habits. While most people think of lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts, don’t forget avocados are a superfruit you can use to add good fats and great taste to recipes throughout the day.
As a versatile fruit with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, avocados have become a household staple. Avocados From Mexico is a national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Initiative – Eat Smart Program, encouraging people to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables and other heart-healthy foods into their meals.
By supporting this initiative, Avocados From Mexico is helping to raise awareness about the importance of making smart nutrition choices. The brand’s “Good Fats Meet Great Taste” campaign, featured at select Kroger locations, highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and fresh food choices as part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.
Avocados provide a good source of naturally unsaturated fats, which can be part of a heart-healthy eating pattern when consumed in place of saturated fats. A well-balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods like avocados, whole grains, lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables can support overall heart health. In addition to good fats, avocados are also a good source of fiber, with 3 grams per one-third of a medium avocado.
If you’re looking for an easy yet tasty way to add more avocados to your family’s menu, this Avocado, Brussels Sprout, Kale and Date Salad provides a delicious introduction to the superfruit. Loaded with greens and fit for sharing with a crowd, you can do your part to bring avocados to your nearest and dearest, neighbors or anyone you’re hosting for a fresh, better-for-you meal.
The best part: This heart-healthy dish comes together in a snap. Just process the homemade dressing featuring dates, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Then toss Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion, pistachios and, of course, avocados before combining with the dressing.
Finally, serve with shaved Parmesan cheese on the side (so guests who prefer to avoid dairy can do so) and enjoy for a fresh meal that’s equal parts delicious and nutritious. Sliced avocados are the star of the dish, with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making this an always good, super fun recipe and a way to begin making smarter food choices.
Discover more ways to add heart-healthy meals to your menu by visiting AvocadosFromMexico.com/avocado-nutrition.
Avocado, Brussels Sprouts, Kale and Date Salad
Servings: 8
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 dates, pitted, softened
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Avocados From Mexico, sliced
- 6 cups Brussels sprouts, shaved or shredded
- 3 cups lacinto (dinosaur) kale, shredded
- 1 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup pistachios (or pumpkin seeds), shelled
- reduced-fat (sharp) Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for topping (optional)
- To make dressing: In food processor, process lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, pitted dates and mustard. Slowly add olive oil to combine.
- To make salad: In large salad bowl, combine avocados, shaved Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion and pistachios. Drizzle salad dressing evenly over greens and toss until well-coated.
- Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.
SOURCE:
Avocados From Mexico
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