Investigating how eating mushrooms affects brain health in older adults
Official title: Longitudinal cohort of mushroom intake and cognitive function in the elderly
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10987524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating mushrooms might help improve thinking and memory in middle-aged and older people in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, to see if they can help keep our minds sharp as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $457,760 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085006-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy adults aged 21 and older, particularly those who are middle-aged or elderly and interested in dietary impacts on cognitive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume mushrooms or have dietary restrictions that prevent them from including mushrooms in their diet may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the relationship between mushroom consumption and cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly individuals in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The study will assess dietary habits and cognitive performance, focusing on the potential benefits of mushrooms, which are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. By analyzing data from cognitive tests and dietary surveys, the research seeks to identify specific foods that may help delay cognitive decline in older adults. Participants will be monitored over time to evaluate changes in cognitive abilities related to their mushroom intake.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that help improve cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive associations between mushroom consumption and cognitive function, suggesting that this research builds on existing knowledge rather than exploring an entirely novel concept.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muscat, Joshua E — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Muscat, Joshua E
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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.