Impact of Dietary Fats on Cognitive Function
Essential Fats For Enhancing Cognitive Thinking (EFFECT) Study: Dietary Fat Quality and Cognitive Impairment
This study tests whether eating walnuts or a dairy-free chocolate bar can improve thinking and memory in adults who feel their brain isn't working as well as it used to.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT06223672 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates how dietary fats, specifically walnuts and a dairy-free chocolate bar, affect cognitive function after meals in adults experiencing subjective cognitive complaints. Participants will consume one of the study snacks daily for a week, and the study will measure changes in cognitive performance and the gut-brain axis. The trial employs a randomized crossover design to ensure robust comparisons between the effects of the different dietary fats.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with subjective cognitive impairment and a BMI of 30 or greater.
Not a fit: Patients with diagnosed cognitive impairment, dementia, or significant dietary restrictions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that enhance cognitive function in individuals with cognitive complaints.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the relationship between diet and cognitive function, suggesting potential benefits, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjective cognitive impairment * BMI ≥30 kg/m2 * HbA1C \<6.5% Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis og cognitive impairment or dementia * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of \<26 * Current or previous diagnosis of Diabetes or use of diabetes medications * Current diagnosis of or current treatment of cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer * Gastrointestinal diseases or disorders (including pancreatic and gastric bypass surgery) where consumption of the study foods would be contraindication or where the disease or disorder could negatively affect nutrient absorption and/or would prevent participants from tolerating the study foods * Hyperthyroidism diagnosis * Food Allergy or intolerances * Any dietary restriction where consumption of the study foods, study meals/snack or meal challenge or any ingredient would be contraindicated * Use of some oil supplements in the past 4 weeks prior to enrolling * Pregnancy and lactation * Inability to access veins for venipuncture * Antibiotic use in the past month * Psychostimulant or nootropic medication use * Current use of supplements or medications for weight loss or following a weight loss program * Severe or uncontrolled autoimmune diseases * Current or previous diagnosis of severe kidney failure, liver cirrhosis and some pulmonary diseases * Heart disease events (including stroke or heart attack) within last 3 months prior to enrollment * Alcohol or drug abuse
Where this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martha Belury, PhD, RDN — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Martha Belury, PhD, RDN
- Email: belury.1@osu.edu
- Phone: 614-292-1680
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.