The Effect of Consumption of Potatoes, Avocados and Chickpeas Daily for 6 Months on Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Sponsor
- Tufts University
- Enrollment
- 48
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Cognition
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 6 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Cognitive impairment is also a major risk factor for development of dementia later in life. Findings from the investigators studies suggest that the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin may be important in cognitive function in the elderly. Avocados are a source of these carotenoids. The investigators study evaluates long-term avocado intervention as a treatment strategy for age-related cognitive impairment which could possibly prevent the onset of dementia. The investigators have also shown that lutein supplementation significantly improved verbal fluency scores in healthy older women. Based on these findings, the next logical step will be to investigate the ability of lutein and zeaxanthin contained in avocados to influence cognitive function in older adults. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a significant increase in cognitive function measures in older adults provided with meals containing 1 avocado/day at the end of 6 months, while no significant improvements will be observed in older adults given daily meals containing chickpeas and/or potatoes.
The proposed study is designed as a randomized, placebo controlled trial that tests the effects of 6 month supplementation with 1 avocado/day on cognitive function in older adults. Secondary analyses will determine whether baseline macular pigment (lutein in retina which canbe measured non invasivley) density predicts relative effectiveness of the intervention on cognitive function. Secondary outcomes include plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.
Detailed Description
The study is designed as a placebo controlled trial that tests the effects of 6 month supplementation with daily meals containing 1 avocado or isocaloric amounts of chickpeas and/or potatoes on cognitive function in older adults. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Secondary analyses will determine whether baseline macular pigment density (a non invasive measure of lutein and zeaxanthin in neural tissue) predicts relative effectiveness of the intervention on cognitive function. Secondary outcomes include plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Participants will be recruited from community-dwelling men and women aged \>50 yr, and potential participants will be screened to meet cognitive and functional criteria. Participants will be pre-screened by telephone; those who appear to meet criteria will undergo further screening. The study will include baseline (0 month), 3 and 6 month visits for study procedures, and monthly telephone calls. Given that there is a visible difference between the two interventions, a blinded study is not possible.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •men and women age \> 50 years
- •BMI 19-30 kg/m2
- •lutein intake of \< 3 mg/d
- •Docosahexaenoic acid intake \< 250 mg/d (including supplements)
- •Mini mental state exam (MMSE) score \> 24
- •Macular pigment density \< 0.4 at 0.5 degrees
- •Beck Depression Inventory \< 20
- •free of known disease
- •BMI 19-29 kg/m2
- •must be able to give written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
- •history of active small bowel disease or resection
- •atrophic gastritis
- •hyperlipidemia (LDL \>120 mg/dL or triglycerides \>150 mg/dL)
- •hypertension (\>150/90 mm Hg)
- •diabetes, alcoholism (\>2 drinks/d or 14 drinks/week)
- •pancreatic disease
- •anemia, and bleeding disorders (as determined by screening interview)
- •avocado, potato or chickpea allergy
- •pregnancy or lactation
- •diseases that interfere with fat absorption, e.g. colitis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, cystic fibroids (as determined by screening interview)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Cognition
Time Frame: 6 months
measures of sustained attention will be made using CANTAB, a sensitive computerized program. Signal detection measured on a scale from 0 to 1(bad to good).
Secondary Outcomes
- Inflammation(6 month)