Examining choline doses in postmenopausal women

Choline Dose Ranging and Brain Functioning in Postmenopausal Women

Not applicable Interventional University of Vermont · NCT06924541

This study is testing whether smaller doses of choline can help improve brain function in postmenopausal women, compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Vermont Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Burlington, Vermont)
Trial IDNCT06924541 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of smaller doses of choline (550 mg and 1100 mg) on brain activation and connectivity in postmenopausal women, using a randomized placebo-controlled design. It aims to determine if these lower doses can produce similar cognitive benefits as a previously studied higher dose of 1650 mg. The research focuses on understanding the neurobiological impacts of menopause on cognition and how choline supplementation may influence cognitive functioning. Participants will undergo fMRI scans to assess brain activity in response to the choline doses compared to a placebo.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy postmenopausal women aged 50-65 who are not on hormone therapy or certain medications.

Not a fit: Patients with mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or significant cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into cognitive enhancement strategies for postmenopausal women.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored the cognitive effects of choline, this specific dose-ranging approach in postmenopausal women is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women aged 50-65 years
* Postmenopausal: Women who are postmenopausal will have not had a period in the last 12 months, have FSH\>30 IU/L, and estradiol (E2) \<50 pg/ml.
* Nonsmokers
* Not taking hormone therapy, SSRIs, phytoestrogens, SERMS, or antiestrogen medications and will be at least one year without such treatment
* Physically healthy
* No cardiovascular disease other than mild hypertension. Subjects will also not have current untreated or unremitted Axis I or II psychiatric or cognitive disorders (see screening below).
* IQ in the normal range \>80
* Normal neuropsychological test performance

Exclusion Criteria:

* MCI or dementia - Montreal Cognitive Assessment \<26, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale \<130, and Global Deterioration Scale \>2
* History of cancer treatment with cytotoxic and/or ongoing (current) maintenance targeted chemotherapy
* Blood pressure \> 160/100 (untreated)
* Untreated thyroid disease
* Significant cardiovascular disease
* Asthma or COPD
* Active peptic ulcer
* Hyperthyroidism
* Epilepsy
* Current untreated or unremitted Axis I psychiatric disorders Use of medications on the Prohibited medications (see list)

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.
Conditions MenopausecognitionfMRIworking memory
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.