Miyeon Jung, PhD, RN, FAHA, and an associate professor at the Indiana University School of Nursing, is pioneering innovative ways to address the cognitive dysfunction often experienced by people living with heart failure (HF).
Her research focuses on developing non-pharmacological interventions to improve cognitive function, aiming to enhance the quality of life for this vulnerable population.
"Cognitive dysfunction in heart failure patients is an underappreciated issue," says Dr. Jung. "These individuals face challenges not just with their hearts but also with their brains, which significantly impacts their ability to manage their own health."
HF affects over 6.7 million Americans, which often develops with aging. People with HF are twice as likely to experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia as those without heart conditions. Cognitive dysfunction among these people often leads to difficulties in self-care, including medication management and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which can further exacerbate their heart condition.
Dr. Jung’s research is breaking new ground by addressing these interconnected challenges.
"There are currently no effective treatments specifically for cognitive impairment such as dementia for these people with HF," Dr. Jung explains. "That’s why I’ve chosen to focus on non-drug-based interventions. My goal is to provide our patients with tools they can use to protect their brain function and improve their daily lives."
One of Dr. Jung's most exciting projects is a virtual reality-based cognitive restoration intervention, which immerses participants in really nice natural environments to help restore their attention function. This approach is grounded in Attention Restoration Theory, which suggests that interacting with nature can reduce mental fatigue and improve cognitive function, specifically attention function.
"Think about how refreshed you feel after spending time outside, or even just looking at nature through a window," Dr. Jung says. "That’s what we’re trying to replicate for people with HF who might not be able to physically access nature outdoor spaces."
In addition to the virtual reality-based intervention, Dr. Jung is investigating a computerized cognitive training program that targets memory improvement. The combination of these two interventions, she hopes, will offer a synergistic approach to improving cognitive function among people with HF.
"By combining the restorative effects of nature with targeted cognitive training, we believe we can make a real difference in the lives of our patients," Dr. Jung says.
Dr. Jung’s work also extends to identifying genetic biomarkers that may influence how patients respond to these cognitive interventions. Her research aims to uncover the factors that make some patients more likely to benefit from cognitive interventions than others, paving the way for more personalized treatments.
Beyond her research, Dr. Jung is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurse researchers. She has also served on committees for the Heart Failure Society of America and the American Heart Association, advocating for the inclusion of cognitive health in heart failure care.
Looking to the future, Dr. Jung is hopeful that her work will lead to more widespread clinical adoption of cognitive interventions for people living with HF.
"We really need something to offer for these people in clinics, giving our patients access to effective and easy tools to manage both their heart and brain health," she says. "Cognitive function is key to live the life that we want by understanding our situations and making informed decisions. I believe everyone, including people with serious heart conditions, deserve the best chance at maintaining their independence with improved cognitive function."