Arterial stiffness, cognition, and equol: a trial to help aging adults
Official title: Arterial Stiffness, Cognition, and Equol (ACE)
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11519686 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large, multi-site study tests whether taking equol daily for two years can slow arterial stiffness, brain changes, and thinking difficulties in older adults without dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $397,301 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG074971-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11519686 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults 65-85 without dementia who are willing to take daily equol and undergo regular assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with established dementia or significant medical contraindications may not benefit.
What this research studies
This trial involves adults aged 65-85 without dementia and looks at how a 24-month 10 mg/day equol supplement affects blood vessel stiffness, brain white matter changes, and cognitive decline. It is an IND-regulated randomized controlled trial conducted at multiple centers, with careful clinical monitoring to ensure safety and data quality. The study relies on standard clinical procedures and imaging to measure outcomes, and it requires ongoing oversight from an external CRO to stay compliant with regulatory standards. Participants would be monitored for adverse events and followed to see if equol influences vascular and cognitive trajectories.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could slow vascular-related brain aging and cognitive decline in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous collaboration in similar vascular and cognitive studies suggests potential benefits, though this exact approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sekikawa, Akira — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Sekikawa, Akira
Related research
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Equol for artery health and memory in older adults
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.