The effect of vegetable oil on cognitive functions in MCI patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study evaluating the feasibility of undertaking an intervention looking into the effect of vegetable oils intake on cognition and quality of life in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
IRAS ID
240254
Contact name
Raysa El Zein
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bournemouth University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
1718/IRASREZ/1 , Unique protocol Id/Clinical trials.gov
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 12 days
Research summary
Research has shown that neuro-degeneration associated with ageing could be attributed to glucose hypo-metabolism by brain cells. Therefore, providing an alternative source of energy to the brain cells could reduce neuro-degeneration and consequently dementia in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The current study will investigate the use of an alternative energy source in the form of coconut oil that is rich in medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) that are converted into ketone bodies in the human body. The process of ketogenesis will be induced by the consumption of coconut oil to increase energy supply to the brains of adults diagnosed with MCI . Empirical evidence to date demonstrated associations between nutrition and cognitive impairments in older adults specifically regarding the relation between glucose hypo-metabolism and neuro-degeneration. Studies have suggested that interventions in the earliest stages of dementia such as in MCI may delay the progression of the disease; as MCI could represent the final point at which an intervention is effective. While previous studies have used Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT’s) as a source of ketone bodies to improve cognitive functions in older adults with MCI or Alzheimer’s Disease. The current study relies on the consumption of the whole food component (coconut oil) that is rich in MCFA in adults with MCI. It aims at evaluating the feasibility of undertaking an intervention using vegetable oils in adults with MCI. This feasibility/pilot study will follow a randomized clinical trial design using both coconut and sunflower oils, which would allow the unbiased evaluation of the outcome measures. Sunflower oil will be used as a control to reduce the placebo effect. Mixed methods using quantitative and qualitative methodologies will be used in the study. Data collection methods will consist of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, questionnaires, food records, cognitive tests (ACE III, trail making test, verbal fluency test, category fluency tests), quality of life questionnaire (ADCS-MCI-ADL), and blood tests (beta hydroxyl butyrate). Results from this study could help determine whether such an intervention is applicable in adults with MCI. It will provide new knowledge relating to the feasibility and practicality of the implementation of such an intervention to guide and inform the design of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that is adequately powered. The RCT could provide a dietary intervention that might have the potential to improve cognitive functions and maintain quality of life for longer in people with MCI by delaying the onset of dementia and reducing the progression from MCI to AD in adults.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1624
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion