Daily spice consumption and its effects on memory function

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of a daily intake of a mixed spice capsule on memory function in older adults experiencing mild cognitive decline. Participants aged 50 to 80 will be randomized to receive either the spice mixture or a placebo, with the aim of evaluating the spices' potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study focuses on understanding whether a combination of spices can enhance cognitive abilities more effectively than a single spice. The research will involve 50 adults and will assess their cognitive performance through neuropsychological testing.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participants are required to have clinical histories consistent with normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
2. Age 50 to 80 years.
3. Adequate visual acuity and hearing to allow neuropsychological testing.
4. Screening laboratory tests without significant abnormalities that might interfere with the study.

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Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or any other dementia (e.g. vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal)
2. Evidence of other neurological or physical illness that can produce cognitive deterioration. Determination of dementia will be based on the clinical evaluation including assessment of functional abilities, and cognitive screening (using the Mini Mental State Examination
3. Evidence of Parkinson's disease as determined by the motor examination (items 18-31) of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale \[38\].
4. Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure (BP) \> 170 or diastolic BP \> 100).
5. Consume spices regularly \> 5g day
6. Allergy or sensitivity to spices. Subjects will be excluded if there is a prior history of such sensitivity. Since these foods are commonly eaten and allergies are rare, subjects should be aware of this sensitivity prior to entering the study. To determine this, a positive history of spices ingestion without incident will be requested. In addition, any subject with a history of allergy or anaphylaxis of any kind will be excluded.
7. Current diagnosis of any major psychiatric disorder according to the DSM-IV TR criteria (APA, 2000).
8. Current diagnosis or alcoholism or substance addiction.
9. Eating a high fiber/polyphenol diet or taking any medication or dietary supplement which interfere with the absorption of polyphenols.
10. Frequently using prebiotics, probiotics, yogurt, and/or any fiber supplements

Where it's running

• UCLA Center for Human Nutrition
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zhaoping Li — University of California, Los Angeles
• Study coordinator: Hila Zelicha, RD PHD
• Email: uclanutrition@gmail.com
• Phone: +1-310-206-8292

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.