Mediterranean Diet with Olive Oil Polyphenols for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Official title: The Effect of Combination of Mediterranean Diet and Oleocanthal in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Run by Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki · NCT06705738 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a Mediterranean diet combined with high-phenolic olive oil (oleocanthal) helps improve thinking and daily function in people with mild cognitive impairment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06705738 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 60–85 with MCI, able to follow Greek-language study procedures and provide informed consent, and meeting cognitive screening criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals not showing improvement with diet plus oleocanthal or those with contraindications to dietary components or adherence challenges may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial uses a 2x2 quasi-factorial design to compare high versus moderate adherence to a Mediterranean diet, with either a high-phenolic olive oil supplement or a placebo. Participants with mild cognitive impairment will be stratified by diet adherence and then randomized to receive SUPOL or placebo, creating four groups of about 50 each. The study aims to measure changes in cognition and functional abilities over time, using standardized assessments and biomarkers. Recruitment targets 200 participants aged 60–85 with specific cognitive screening criteria and biomarker evaluations. Conducted across multiple sites in Greece with international collaborators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could slow cognitive decline and improve daily functioning in people with MCI.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest Mediterranean-style diets and olive oil polyphenols may support cognitive function, but this combination in a quasi-factorial trial is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Participants are eligible to be included in this study only if all the following criteria apply: * Men or women, * 60 to 85 years of age inclusive, at the time of signing the informed consent form (ICF). * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 26-28 at Screening (Visit 1). * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 20-26 at Visit 1. * MRI scan evaluation at Visit 1. * CSF biomarkers evaluation at Visit 1. * Adequate knowledge and understanding of the Greek language, as well as adequate literacy, vision and hearing for neuropsychological testing in the opinion of the Principal Investigator (PI) at the time of screening. * They are reliable and willing to make themselves available for the duration of the study and are willing to follow study procedures. * Capable of giving signed informed consent which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the ICF and in this protocol. Exclusion Criteria: Participants are excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply: Medical conditions * Significant neurological diseases that affect the central nervous system other than MCI, that may affect cognition ability to complete the study, including but not limited to, other dementias, serious infection of the brain, Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple sclerosis (MS), multiple concussions, epilepsy or recurrent seizures. * Ongoing serious or unstable illnesses, including cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, gastroenterological, respiratory, endocrinologic, psychiatric, immunologic, hema-tologic diseases and other conditions that, in the PI's opinion, could interfere with the analyses in this study or has a life expectancy of less than 24 months. * History of cancer within the last 5 years, with exception of non-metastatic basal and/or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, in situ cervical cancer, nonprogressive prostate cancer, other cancers with low risk of recurrence or spread. * Participants with any current primary psychiatric diagnosis, if in the judgement of the PI for the psychiatric disorder or symptom is likely to confound interpretation of the combined approach effect, affect cognitive assessment or affect the partici-pant's ability to complete the study. Participants with history of schizophrenia or other chronic psychosis are excluded. * In the judgement of the PI, participants are actively suicidal and therefore deemed to be at significant risk of suicide. * History of alcohol or drug abuse disorder (except tobacco use disorder) within 2 years before Visit 1. * History of clinically significant multiple or severe drug allergies, significant atopy or severe post-treatment hypersensitivity reactions (including but not limited to erythema multiforme major, linear immunoglobulin A dermatosis, toxic epidermal necrolysis and/or exfoliative dermatitis). * Patient has undergone surgical operation of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) that led to removal of a functional part of the GI tract, length shortage of the GI tract and change of the GI tract morphology. Imaging, Vital Signs, Laboratory Tests and Physical Examinations * Any clinically important abnormality at Visit 1, as determined by the PI, in physical or neurological examination, vital signs or clinical laboratory test results, that could be detrimental to the participant, could compromise the study or show evidence of other etiologies for MCI. * MRI which shows evidence of significant abnormality that would suggest another potential etiology for MCI or a clinically significant finding that may impact the participant's ability to safely participate in the study. * Have any contraindications for MRI, including claustrophobia or the presence of contraindicated metal (ferromagnetic) implants/cardiac pacemaker. * Poor venous access. * Evidence of a relevant neurological disorder other than MCI at Visit 1, including but not limited to PD, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal dementia of any type, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, MS, systemic lupus erythematosus, progressive supranuclear palsy, neurosyphilis, HIV, learning disability, intellectual disability, hypoxic cerebral damage, or significant head trauma with loss of consciousness that led to persistent cognitive deficits. * Evidence of a clinically relevant or unstable psychiatric disorder, based on Diag-nostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria, including schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, or bipolar disorder. A subject with a history of major depression who has not had an episode in the last 24 months before the day of screening and is considered in remission or in the case that depression is controlled with treatment can be included in the trial per inves-tigator's judgement. * Imminent risk of self-harm, based on clinical interview and responses on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) or of harm to self or others in the opinion of the PI. Prior or Concomitant Therapy * Known allergies to EVOO, OLC, Oleacein (OLE), Oleuropein Aglycon (OLA), Ligstroside Aglycon (LIG), Tyrosol (TYR), Hydroxytyrosol (HT) or any other components of the formulation. * Contraindications in following a MeDi or Western diet pattern and are not willing to adhere to the abovementioned nutritional lifestyles. * Consumption of high-dose nutritional supplements. * Long-term antibiotic therapy. * Regular consumption of probiotics. * Regular intake of enriched commercial probiotic foods. Prior or Concurrent Clinical Study Experience * Currently enrolled in any other interventional clinical trial involving an investigational medicinal product (IMP) or any other type of medical research judged not to be scientifically or medically compatible with this study. * Participated, within the last 30 days in a clinical trial involving an IMP. If the precious IMP is scientifically or medically incompatible with this study and has a long half-life, 3 months or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) should have passed prior to Visit 1 (participation in observational studies may be permitted upon review or the observational study protocol and approved by the PI). * Previously completed or withdrawn from this study or received SUPOL in any prior investigational study. (This exclusion criterion does not apply to participants who are allowed to rescreen before randomization in this study). Other exclusions * Investigator site personnel directly affiliated with this study and/or their immediate families. Immediate family is defined as a spouse, parent, child or sibling, whether biological or legally adopted. * Currently OMPHAX SA (OMPHAX) employees or employees of third-party organizations (TPOs) involved in study which requires exclusion of their employees or have relatives or partners who are OMPHAX employees or are employees of TPOs involved in a study which requires exclusion of their employees.
Where it's running
-
Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders
Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece Recruiting -
"AHEPA" General University Hospital of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Magdalini Tsolaki, Emeritus Professor
- Email: tsolakim1@gmail.com
- Phone: 0030 23102411 56
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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.