Age-related Cognitive Changes: Effects of Combined Flavonoid Intake and Physical Exertion Mediated by the Gut Microbiome
Appalachian State University
Summary
This NIH project will examine the effects of routine flavonoid-rich blueberry intake (12-weeks), combined with or in the absence of regular moderate exercise, on cognitive function in a clinical population of older participants identified as experiencing age-related cognitive changes. This project's hypothesis is that the combination of flavonoid-rich diet and routine physical activity may potentiate cognitive benefits and reduce cognitive decline in an aging population, via mechanisms mediated by the gut microbiome.
Description
This randomized clinical trial (RCT) is designed to investigate the effect of 12-weeks blueberry ingestion (50 g freeze dried powder per day, equivalent to 2 cups fresh blueberries per day) with or without brisk walking (five 45-minute supervised sessions per week) on cognitive function in healthy older adult participants. An important aim is to determine if this potential benefit is mediated through changes in the gut microbiome profile and an increase in gut-derived phenolics. Older adult participants (n=240, with a goal of 200 completing all procedures) will be randomized to one of four gr…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA test) of 24.1-25.2 that indicates mild cognitive decline. The MoCA test score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores from 26 to 30 considered normal. * Healthy, non-smoking male or female participants 65 to 85 years of age. * Capable of engaging in a supervised 12-week exercise training program (brisk walking or stretching). * Physically inactive (defined as less than 150 min/week moderate or less than 75 minutes vigorous aerobic and/or resistance exercise during the past 4 weeks). * Willingness to be randomized to one of…
Interventions
- Dietary SupplementBlueberry
50 g/d blueberry powder supplement
- BehavioralWalking
Five 45-min walking sessions per week
- Dietary SupplementPlacebo
50 g/d placebo powder supplement
- BehavioralStretching
Five 45-min stretching sessions per week
Location
- Appalachian State University Human Performance Lab, North Carolina Research CampusKannapolis, North Carolina