Daily spice consumption and its effects on memory function
Effect of Daily Mixed Spice Consumption on Memory in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Age-related Cognitive Decline: a Pilot Study
This study is testing whether taking a daily spice capsule can help improve memory in older adults with mild cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06889961 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 50 to 80 with normal aging or mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed dementia or significant neurological disorders will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a natural dietary approach to improve memory function in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of individual spices has been studied, the specific combination of spices in this approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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. \- 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 this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.