L-Arginine for thinking and memory in older adults
Official title: Evaluation of the Effect of L-Arginine on the Cognitive Function in Geriatric Patients, A Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by German University in Cairo · NCT07338682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try whether taking 6 grams of L-arginine once daily for four weeks improves thinking and memory in people over 60 with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | German University in Cairo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07338682 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 60 with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment (MoCA 10–25) who do not have neurodegenerative diseases and can attend in-person visits are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases (for example Alzheimer's or Parkinson's), active asthma, recent myocardial infarction or stroke, known L-arginine intolerance, or those who require recent changes in medications are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled study gives eligible participants either 6 g of L-arginine once daily or a matching placebo for four weeks with follow-up visits every two weeks. Cognitive performance is measured at baseline and during follow-up using validated tools such as the MoCA, while safety, tolerability, and quality-of-life measures are also tracked. The trial excludes people with diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases, recent stroke or heart attack, asthma, or recent medication changes that could affect cognition to reduce confounding. Results aim to show whether short-term L-arginine supplementation produces measurable improvements in cognitive scores in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, L-arginine could offer a simple, low-cost way to improve thinking and daily functioning in older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Some small clinical and physiological studies have suggested vascular or cognitive benefits from L-arginine, but evidence in older adults with cognitive impairment is limited and not conclusive.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>60 years * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test score from 10-25 (mild to moderate cognitive impairment) Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g.: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Multiple Sclerosis) * Patients with history of L-arginine intolerance or allergy * Patients with asthma * Patients who recently had an acute myocardial infarction * Patients with history of stroke within 1 yaear * Patients who started or discontinued medications that may affect cognitive function (e.g., CNS psychotropics, antihistamines, or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors) during the study period. * Patients who initiated or stopped antihypertensive medications during the study period. * Patients who initiated or stopped antidiabetic medications during the study period. * Patients who initiated or stopped antihyperlipidemic medications during the study period. * Patients prescribed medications for depression, anxiety, or stress that may impact cognitive function * Patients on nitrates, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, potassium sparing diuretics * Refusal to provide written informed consent
Where it's running
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Neurology Department, Al-Azhar University Hospitals
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.