Nutritional therapy to reduce delirium in hospitalized elderly patients

Nutritional Therapy for Delirium in Elderly Hospitalized Subjects

Not applicable Interventional University of Arkansas · NCT05066503

This study is testing whether a special amino acid blend can help prevent or lessen delirium in older adults who are hospitalized.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Arkansas Academic / other
Locations1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Trial IDNCT05066503 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of a proprietary amino acid blend in preventing or reducing the severity of delirium in hospitalized older adults aged 60 and above. Up to 45 participants will be enrolled, including 30 delirious patients who will receive either the amino acid supplement or standard treatment, and 15 non-delirious control subjects who will not consume any study products. Participants will undergo multiple cognitive assessments and blood draws during their hospital stay to evaluate the impact of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized individuals aged 60 and older with documented delirium or acute confusion due to specific infections.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic kidney disease, major psychiatric illnesses, or those whose delirium is caused by drug overdose or alcohol withdrawal may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the management of delirium in elderly patients, enhancing their recovery and overall hospital experience.

How similar studies have performed: While similar nutritional interventions have been explored, this specific amino acid blend is a novel approach in the context of delirium management.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Delirious cohort

1. Aged 60 years and older.
2. Documented presence of either delirium, acute confusion, or altered mental status in medical record.
3. Currently hospitalized with a diagnosis of one of the following:

   1. sepsis/septicemia
   2. Pneumonia
   3. Urinary tract infection
   4. Clostridium-difficile infection
   5. Other bone or tissue infection
   6. Fever of unknown origin

Inclusion Criteria: NON-Delirious cohort

1. Aged 60 years and older.
2. Current diagnosis of one of the following:

   1. sepsis/septicemia
   2. Pneumonia
   3. Urinary tract infection
   4. Clostridium-difficile infection
   5. Other bone or tissue infection
   6. Fever of unknown origin

Exclusion Criteria: all subjects

1. Chronic kidney disease (eGFR \<30).
2. Admitted to the hospital for major psychiatric illness.
3. Major psychiatric illness not controlled by medication/treatment.
4. Delirium etiology of drug overdose or alcohol withdrawal.
5. Major surgery within the past five days.
6. Known or suspected Covid-19 positive.
7. Continuous feeding tube

Where this trial is running

Little Rock, Arkansas

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 Subacute Delirium
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.