Effect of Daily Mixed Spice Consumption on Memory in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Age-related Cognitive Decline: a Pilot Study

Summary

The aging process entails a multitude of structural and functional alterations within the brain, culminating in a gradual and progressive decline in cognitive function. Recent research has indicated that various spices may hold the key to enhancing brain health and combating the effects of aging on cognitive abilities. The hypothesis is that a mixture of spices, acknowledged for their reported memory protection potential, may yield a more potent beneficial effect on memory function than a single spice. The spice mixture will be used at culinary dose, and therefore side effects are anticipated. In this study, the effects of spice mixture will be evaluated, as well as their anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The proposed pilot study will include 50 adults (ages 50-80), exhibiting typical age-related mild cognitive decline, excluding dementia or major neurocognitive disorders. They will be randomized 1:1 assigned into a daily intake of either 4.00 g spice mixture capsules or 4.00 g maltodextrin capsules over 3 months, and explore the sustainable effect over 3 additional months. The changes in symptoms of cognition, fatigue, and mood symptoms of the spice group vs. placebo group will be compared. The outcome of the investigation of the effects of mixed spice consumption will provide important novel information on dietary recommendation of spice to preserve cognitive function in aging population.

Eligibility

Age range

50–80 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Dietary Supplement
  Mixed spices

  Mixed spices 4.00 g capsules of spice mixture contain 1.0 g (25%) turmeric, 1.5 g (37.5%) cinnamon, 0.5 g (12.5%) oregano, 0.5 g (12.5%) black pepper, 0.3 g (7.5%) sage and 0.2 (5%) thyme

• Other
  Placebo

  4.00 g maltodextrin capsules

Location