Actively Recruiting
Effect of Daily Mixed Spice Consumption on Memory in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Age-related Cognitive Decline: a Pilot Study
Led by University of California, Los Angeles · Updated on 2025-03-21
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how a mixture of spices might help improve memory and cognitive function in adults aged 50 to 80 who experience normal age-related mild cognitive decline but do not have dementia or major neurocognitive disorders. The study is a pilot trial aiming to explore whether a combination of spices has a stronger effect on memory than a single spice and to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will take daily capsules containing 4.00 grams of a mixed spice blend (including turmeric, cinnamon, oregano, black pepper, sage, and thyme), while the other group will receive 4.00 grams of maltodextrin capsules as a placebo. This treatment phase will last for 3 months, followed by an additional 3 months to explore whether any effects are sustained over time. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of memory, fatigue, mood, executive function, language, processing speed, body weight, body composition, sleep quality, dietary intake, and quality of life. These evaluations will occur over a total period of 6 months. Researchers will monitor symptoms and compare changes between the spice and placebo groups to understand the impact of the spice mixture on cognitive health and related factors in aging adults.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Daily Mixed Spice Consumption on Memory Function
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants must have clinical histories consistent with normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
- Age between 50 and 80 years
- Adequate vision and hearing to complete neuropsychological testing
- Screening laboratory tests show no significant abnormalities that would interfere with the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or any other dementia such as vascular, Lewy body, or frontotemporal dementia
- Presence of neurological or physical illnesses causing cognitive decline
- Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease confirmed by motor examination
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (systolic > 170 or diastolic > 100)
- Regular consumption of spices exceeding 5 grams per day
- Allergy or sensitivity to spices, including any history of anaphylaxis
- Current diagnosis of major psychiatric disorders
- Current alcoholism or substance addiction
- Diets high in fiber/polyphenols or use of medications/supplements that interfere with polyphenol absorption
- Frequent use of prebiotics, probiotics, yogurt, or fiber supplements
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 months
Participants take daily capsules containing either mixed spices or placebo to evaluate effects on memory and cognitive function.
Monthly visits for 6 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UCLA Center for Human Nutrition
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90024
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
Hila Zelicha, RD PHD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
NA
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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