Study #3025: The Nutrition for Brain and Body HEALTH project

Read our Health & Safety Commitment in response to COVID-19

Purpose of this study:
Brain health generally declines in older adults, and people whose weight is higher than recommended are at increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. This study seeks to examine the effect of eating nutritional supplements and foods, and weight-management on healthy brain function in aging adults.

Target population:
Overweight or obese adults above the age of 55 with normal or mildly impaired cognition (no serious difficulties with memory, thinking or attention).

Major exclusions:        

• Under the age of 55 years or over the age of 85 years
• BMI less than 27 kg/m2 or BMI above 39.9 kg/m2 or higher
• Moderate or severe cognitive impairment
• Following a medically prescribed or unusual diet
• Regular consumption of multivitamin or choline or DHA/EPA supplements
• Severe heart disease
• Current smoker (tobacco and/or marijuana)
• Consumption of alcohol above 2 drinks per day or over 14 per week.

Length of study:

• 1 year

Time commitment/number of visits:

• Initial virtual pre-screening call(s)
• Screening appointment (in-person) approximately 1-2 hours
• 5 visits to HNRCA for cognition, brain blood flow and body health assessment. Each visit is for approximately 3-4 hours.
• Additional monthly visits between sessions to pick-up food items will be requested but is not required.
• Commitment to daily nutritional supplement consumption
• Potential attendance in a virtual weight-loss program
• Virtual monitoring of weight status and physical activity level

Study programs:

• Random assignment to one of four nutrition regimens. All include daily consumption of nutritional supplement and weight status and physical activity monitoring. May include virtual participation in weight-loss program.

Stipend:

• Up to $1,525 if you qualify and complete the entire study.