Trial of Pistachio Consumption in Older Adults

Launched by BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · May 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether eating pistachios can improve brain function, heart health, and overall happiness in older adults aged 65 to 80. Over a period of six months, participants will follow a diet that includes pistachios and will be monitored for any changes in their thinking abilities, health risks related to the heart, and life satisfaction. The study aims to see if these tasty nuts can make a positive difference in the lives of older adults.

To be eligible for this study, you need to be an active participant in the COSMOS study and fall within the age range of 65 to 80 years. However, if you have a tree nut allergy, have been diagnosed with certain serious health conditions recently, or consume other nuts frequently, you might not qualify. Participants will complete online surveys and cognitive tests, and will need to visit a local site for some health checks. It's important to note that if you decide to participate, you will need to avoid eating pistachios and limit other nut consumption for the duration of the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Active participant in COSMOS
• • 2. Current age 65 to 80 years
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Tree nut allergy
• • 2. Current intake of peanuts, walnuts, or other nuts \>1 serving/week
• • 3. Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or any other type of dementia
• • 4. Diagnosis of cancer or CVD (MI, stroke, CABG, PTCA, or stent) within last 12 months
• • 5. Changes in the dose or number of anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering, or diabetic medications over the past 3 months prior to randomization
• • 6. Does not own a smartphone or tablet
• • 7. Unable or unwilling to abstain from pistachio intake for 6 months
• • 8. Unable or unwilling to limit nut consumption to ≤1 serving/week for 6 months
• • 9. Unable or unwilling to complete online questionnaires and cognitive assessments
• • 10. Unable or unwilling to travel to a local Quest site for biospecimen collection
• • 11. Unable or unwilling to provide consent to participate in the trial
• • 12. Failure to complete the baseline Life Satisfaction Questionnaire
• • 13. Failure to complete the baseline cognitive assessments
• • 14. Failure to complete the baseline biospecimen collection