Cocoa and Cognition version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effects of chronic flavonoid supplementation on cognition and neural mechanisms in healthy older adults
IRAS ID
189221
Contact name
Jeremy P E Spencer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Representing one of the most important lifestyle factors, diet can strongly influence the incidence of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease. Various bioactive constituents of certain foods and beverages, in particular flavonoids, have demonstrated beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and mental performance (cognition) over the last few years. However, little is known about the potential of long-term consumption of flavonoids to enhance mental performance (cognition) in healthy adults. The mechanisms underlying these potential benefits are also not well understood, but recent evidence suggests that improved blood flow to the brain could play an important role. In this study we want to see whether daily consumption of a flavonoid-rich extract for 24 weeks will improve cognitive performance on standardized tasks. To explore the mechanisms behind this potential improvement, we will perform a non-invasive measure to determine blood vessel flexibility (Flow Mediated Dilatation of the brachial artery). as well as brain activity and cerebral blood flow using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after the 24-week supplementation period. Blood and urine will be analysed for flavonoid metabolites, microparticles, biomarkers associated with cardiovascular and cognitive function as well as compounds of interest in terms of potential mechanisms of action of flavonoids. Measures will also be taken following a 12-week post-intervention washout period in order to investigate whether any beneficial effects are sustained following cessation of supplementation therefore the duration of this randomized placebo-controlled study is 36 weeks (24-week supplementation + 12-week washout). The study will be conducted at the University of Reading and participants will be healthy free-living volunteers aged 60-75 recruited from the local community.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0493
Date of REC Opinion
2 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion