Ageing
Conditions
Brief summary
The first study of my PhD showed that acute supplementation of berry extracts can modulate cognitive behaviour in healthy adults. There is a growing body of evidence supporting an improvement in memory and learning performance in animal models following the ingestion of flavonoid rich fruits (Shukitt-Hale et al 2008;Spencer 2008; Spencer et al., 2008). However, study 2, showed no effect on any aspects of memory in healthy young adults after supplementation of the berry extracts. It is hypothesised that the lack of behavioural effects on memory of the berry juice in study 2 was because of the cohort used. These healthy adult participants were already performing near to their peak (Salthouse et al., 2009), and unlike study one, participants were not mentally fatigued enough to reveal subtle cognitive benefits. The aims of the study are to examine if acute supplementation of two berry extracts in an older population can augment memory, attention and executive function. Secondly, the time course of these behavioural effects will be measured by multiple cognitive assessments throughout the day after consumption of the extracts.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTBerry drink
Cold pressed berry drink standardised to contain 500mg of berry polyphenols
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTControl
Sugar matched control containing berry flavouring and no phytochemicals
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTPowdered berry drink
Berry drink made from a powder concentrate standardised to contain 500mg of polyphenols
Sponsors
The New Zealand Institute of Plant and Food Research Ltd.
Northumbria University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy * Non-smokers * Aged between 40 and 60 years
Exclusion criteria
* History of neurological, vascular or psychiatric illness. * BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 * Current diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety. * History or current diagnosis of drug/alcohol abuse. * Anaemia. * Any heart disorder. * Hypertension * Any respiratory disorder. * Diabetes. * Food intolerances/sensitivities. * Phenylketonuria. * Use tobacco products or have ceased in the last 6 months. * Currently taking, or have taken in the last 2 weeks, any prescribed, illicit or herbal drugs and food supplements. * Any known active infections. * HIV antibody positive. * Currently have, have ever had, or may be at risk of hepatitis. * Have suffered from jaundice within the last year. * Have haemophilia or any similar clotting disorder. * History of head trauma * History of migraines * History of learning difficulties * Any Issues with giving blood samples.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Blood glucose | Change from baseline at 60, 140, 180, 200, 230 and 350 minutes post dose |
| Blood lactate | Change from baseline at 60, 140, 180, 200, 230 and 350 minutes post dose |
| Monoamine oxidase B inhibition | Change from baseline at 350 minutes post dose |
| Cognitive Measures - Memory- Assessed using a computerised cognitive batter. | Change from baseline 60, 150, 240 and 360 minutes post dose |
| Cognitive Measures - Attention- Assessed using a computerised cognitive batter. | Change from baseline 60, 150, 240 and 360 minutes post dose |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed