OMNi P3 - Feasibility study V2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
OMNI Brain Health - An investigation into the feasibility of beetroot juice supplementation in people living with Alzheimer's disease.
IRAS ID
358541
Contact name
Rachel Kimble
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of Scotland
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive cognitive decline leading to reduced quality of life. While multiple theories have been proposed to explain the disease, a multi-causality model is gaining popularity. This suggests other factors such as neuroinflammation, reduced cerebral blood flow and immune cell activation may play a role in dementia progression. Two key factors with links to both systemic and cerebral health are the oral microbiome and nitric oxide bioavailability. Importantly they have also been linked with dementia progression.
Nitric oxide can increase blood flow to the body (including the brain) and has important roles in synaptic plasticity (strengthening and weakening neuronal connections). Dietary nitrate (from things like beetroot juice) can be converted into nitric oxide by nitrate reducing bacteria living in the mouth. Nitrate supplementation can increase these key nitrate reducing bacteria, reduce pathogenic bacteria (which may play a role in immune cell activation) and improve cardiovascular and cognitive function. This study will test the feasibility of a beetroot juice intervention in an Alzheimer’s disease population.
Thirty people living with Alzheimer’s disease aged 65-85 will be recruited. Participants should have mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease with no other neurological diagnosis and a carer or partner able to provide daily reminders. Participants should not have taken antibiotics or used mouthwash in the last month or be on medication affecting nitrate metabolism (e.g. sildenafil).
Before and after the intervention, participants will choose a location for testing. This could be any of the UWS Scottish campuses, their home or any other suitable location once access has been agreed. This will involve tests of the oral microbiome, blood and salivary nitric oxide bioavailability as well as demographics, cognitive function and non-maximal exercise capacity. The participants will be given concentrated beetroot juice shots to take twice daily for 7-days.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
25/WS/0192
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion