RecruitingNot Applicable

Effect of Daily Mixed Spice Consumption on Memory Function

United States50 participantsStarted 2025-02-21

Plain-language summary

The aging process entails a multitude of structural and functional alterations within the brain, culminating in a gradual and progressive decline in cognitive function. Recent research has indicated that various spices may hold the key to enhancing brain health and combating the effects of aging on cognitive abilities. The hypothesis is that a mixture of spices, acknowledged for their reported memory protection potential, may yield a more potent beneficial effect on memory function than a single spice. The spice mixture will be used at culinary dose, and therefore side effects are anticipated. In this study, the effects of spice mixture will be evaluated, as well as their anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The proposed pilot study will include 50 adults (ages 50-80), exhibiting typical age-related mild cognitive decline, excluding dementia or major neurocognitive disorders. They will be randomized 1:1 assigned into a daily intake of either 4.00 g spice mixture capsules or 4.00 g maltodextrin capsules over 3 months, and explore the sustainable effect over 3 additional months. The changes in symptoms of cognition, fatigue, and mood symptoms of the spice group vs. placebo group will be compared. The outcome of the investigation of the effects of mixed spice consumption will provide important novel information on dietary recommendation of spice to preserve cognitive function in aging population.

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

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Inclusion criteria

. Participants are required to have clinical histories consistent with normal aging or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
. Age 50 to 80 years.
. Adequate visual acuity and hearing to allow neuropsychological testing.
. Screening laboratory tests without significant abnormalities that might interfere with the study.

Exclusion criteria

. Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or any other dementia (e.g. vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal)
. 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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Memory

Timeframe: 6 month

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06889961

SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-02-21

Contact for this trial

Hila Zelicha, RD PHD

+1-310-206-8292 uclanutrition@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Memory trials