Effects of dietary fatty acids on brain function in older adults

Fatty Acid Modulation of Brain Function in Older Adults

NA · University of Vermont · NCT06192407

This study tests if changing the types of fats in the diet can help improve brain function in healthy older adults aged 65-75.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Vermont (other)
Locations1 site (Burlington, Vermont)
Trial IDNCT06192407 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how different dietary fatty acid compositions affect brain functioning in healthy older adults aged 65-75 years. Participants will follow two experimental diets with varying ratios of palmitic acid and oleic acid, preceded by a low-fat control diet. The study employs a crossover design, allowing each participant to experience both diets in a randomized order over a four-week period. The research aims to determine if reducing saturated fat intake can lead to improvements in cognitive function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy men and women aged 65-75 years with normal cognitive function.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that enhance cognitive health in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that dietary changes can positively impact cognition, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women age range 65-75 years
* Normal cognition (see Research Strategy for details on cognitive assessments)
* "Healthy" (body mass index (BMI) of 20-40 kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Significant cognitive or behavioral impairment (see Research Strategy for testing and exclusions) or pharmacological treatment for this (e.g. antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and sedative medications).
* Hormone replacement therapy, past 3 months.
* Hyper-androgenic condition.
* HbA1C≥7.5% and or Fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥130 mg/dL.
* Type 2 Diabetes if receiving any other therapy than metformin.
* Use of nicotine or ingestion of caffeine or alcohol during the study.
* Habitual fat intake \< 25% of kcal or strict vegetarian diet.
* Sleep apnea requiring continuous positive airway pressure at night.
* Lung, cardiac (heart failure or its treatment), liver disease, renal disease, cancer, and any other medical disorder known or thought to cause inflammation or abnormalities of cognition
* Actively training for an athletic event or participating in competitive sports (such as league play or tournaments)
* Intolerance or allergy to any of the food provided in the study.

Where this trial is running

Burlington, Vermont

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Aging, fatty acids, diet, aging, MRI, palmitic acid, oleic acid

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.