Investigating a new treatment to prevent cognitive decline in menopausal women.

PhytoSERM Efficacy to Prevent Menopause Associated Decline in Brain Metabolism and Cognition: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Clinical Trial

NIH-funded research University of Arizona · NIH-11020972

This study is looking at whether a new treatment called PhytoSERM can help improve brain health and thinking skills in women going through menopause or who have already gone through it, with the hope of lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11020972 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the effects of PhytoSERM, a selective estrogen receptor beta modulator, on brain metabolism and cognition in peri- and post-menopausal women. The study will be conducted as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, meaning that neither the participants nor the researchers will know who receives the treatment or the placebo. The goal is to determine if PhytoSERM can effectively reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by promoting beneficial estrogenic actions in the brain while avoiding risks associated with traditional hormone therapies. Participants will be monitored for changes in cognitive function and brain metabolism over the course of the trial.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are symptomatic peri- and post-menopausal women who are concerned about cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients who are not menopausal or who do not exhibit symptoms related to cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer alternative to hormone therapy for menopausal women, potentially reducing their risk of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise with similar approaches, particularly in targeting estrogen receptors to mitigate cognitive decline in women.

Where this research is happening

Tucson, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.