Effect of Daily Mixed Spice Consumption on Memory Function

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES · Mar 20, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of daily consumption of a special mixture of spices on memory and cognitive function in older adults. The research aims to find out if these spices can help improve memory, especially for those experiencing mild cognitive decline as part of the aging process. The study will include 50 adults aged 50 to 80 who have normal aging or mild cognitive impairment but do not have dementia or serious neurological conditions. Participants will take either a spice mixture or a placebo (a non-active substance) for three months, followed by an additional three months of observation to see if there are lasting effects.

To be eligible, participants need to be between 50 and 80 years old, have normal vision and hearing for testing, and not have any serious health issues that could affect their cognitive function. Important exclusions include those diagnosed with dementia, severe neurological disorders, or allergies to spices. Participants can expect to take capsules daily and will be monitored for changes in their memory, mood, and overall cognitive abilities throughout the trial. This study could provide valuable insights into how spices might help support brain health in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participants are required to have clinical histories consistent with normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
• • 2. Age 50 to 80 years.
• • 3. Adequate visual acuity and hearing to allow neuropsychological testing.
• • 4. Screening laboratory tests without significant abnormalities that might interfere with the study.
• • -
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or any other dementia (e.g. vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal)
• • 2. Evidence of other neurological or physical illness that can produce cognitive deterioration. Determination of dementia will be based on the clinical evaluation including assessment of functional abilities, and cognitive screening (using the Mini Mental State Examination
• • 3. Evidence of Parkinson's disease as determined by the motor examination (items 18-31) of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale \[38\].
• • 4. Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure (BP) \> 170 or diastolic BP \> 100).
• • 5. Consume spices regularly \> 5g day
• • 6. Allergy or sensitivity to spices. Subjects will be excluded if there is a prior history of such sensitivity. Since these foods are commonly eaten and allergies are rare, subjects should be aware of this sensitivity prior to entering the study. To determine this, a positive history of spices ingestion without incident will be requested. In addition, any subject with a history of allergy or anaphylaxis of any kind will be excluded.
• • 7. Current diagnosis of any major psychiatric disorder according to the DSM-IV TR criteria (APA, 2000).
• • 8. Current diagnosis or alcoholism or substance addiction.
• • 9. Eating a high fiber/polyphenol diet or taking any medication or dietary supplement which interfere with the absorption of polyphenols.
• • 10. Frequently using prebiotics, probiotics, yogurt, and/or any fiber supplements