Effect of daily avocado intake on cognitive function in older adults
AvoCog - The Effect of Daily Avocado Intake on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
This study is testing if eating one avocado every day for 12 weeks can help improve brain function in older adults aged 65-85.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06137339 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to investigate whether incorporating one avocado into the daily diet of older adults aged 65-85 can enhance cognitive function. The study will involve 70 participants who will be divided into two groups: one consuming an avocado daily for 12 weeks and a control group maintaining their usual diet. Researchers will assess changes in cognitive performance, brain blood flow, and brain imaging through functional MRI and cognitive tests. Blood tests and questionnaires will also be utilized to gather comprehensive data on the participants' health and cognitive status.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy older adults aged 65-85 who consume few avocados and carotenoid-rich foods.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological diseases, serious medical risks, or those unable to consume avocados will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary interventions that may improve cognitive health in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While dietary interventions for cognitive health have been explored, this specific approach focusing on avocados is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females aged 65-85 years * Good general health with no concomitant disease * BMI 18.5 - 35 kg/m2 * Mini Mental State Exam ≥26 * Reports consuming ≤2 medium avocados per month * Reports consuming ≤3 servings of carotenoid-rich foods per week and ≤3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day * Skin carotenoid content \<400 Exclusion Criteria: * Unwilling or unable to consume avocado * Latex allergy * Consistently taking lutein + zeaxanthin supplements * Skin carotenoid content ≥400 * Central neurological disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumor, etc. * Serious medical risk: cancer requiring chemotherapy or radiation within the past 5 years, recent cardiac event (i.e. heart attack, etc.) * Diabetes mellitus or uncontrolled hypertension * Use of psychoactive or investigational medications * Consumption of ≥3 alcoholic drinks per day or substance abuse * Unable to undergo MRI
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Kansas
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, Kansas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emma Kelly, MS
- Email: ekelly9@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-588-7683
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.