This clinical trial investigates the effects of spermidine supplementation on sleep quality and memory function in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, particularly in patients with MCI due to Alzheimer's disease. Impaired sleep has been identified as a modifiable factor contributing to cognitive decline, and interventions targeting sleep architecture could offer therapeutic potential to prevent or slow down this decline. Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in foods such as wheat germ and soybeans. It induces autophagy, a cellular degradation and recycling process essential for neuronal maintenance and function. In animal studies, spermidine has been shown to improve memory performance, reduce neuroinflammation, and support mitochondrial health. Preliminary findings from human trials in individuals with subjective cognitive decline or MCI suggest potential cognitive benefits of spermidine, but results are not unequivocal, and the impact on sleep has not been systematically evaluated. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 76 participants aged 55 to 70 years with MCI will receive either spermidine (6 mg/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Sleep will be evaluated using overnight EEG in a controlled laboratory setting, focusing on measures such as slow-wave sleep and sleep spindle activity. Memory performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized neuropsychological testing. Numerical skills will be tested at baseline only to compare MCI patients with healthy controls. Blood samples will be collected to quantify metabolic indicators, neurodegeneration-related biomarkers, and autophagy-associated proteins. A control group of 38 cognitively healthy individuals will undergo comparable sleep and cognitive assessments without receiving any supplementation. The primary objective of the study is to characterize the impact of spermidine on sleep-dependent memory consolidation and to identify associated biological changes relevant to aging and neurodegeneration. The results may inform the development of non-pharmacological strategies aimed at preserving cognitive function in individuals at risk for dementia.
Age range
55 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Effects of spermidine supplementation on sleep quality as measured by electroencephalography (EEG) mean power spectra
Timeframe: baseline, 12-week follow-up
Effects of spermidine supplementation on sleep quality as measured by sleep spindle count assessed from EEG
Timeframe: baseline, 12-week follow-up
Effects of spermidine supplementation on sleep quality as measured by sleep spindle power assessed from EEG
Timeframe: baseline, 12-week follow-up
Effects of spermidine supplementation on sleep-related alertness as measured by computer-based task
Timeframe: baseline, 12-week follow-up
Effects of spermidine supplementation on sleep-related visual-spatial memory as measured by computer-based task
Timeframe: baseline, 12-week follow-up
Effects of spermidine supplementation on sleep-related verbal memory as measured by computer-based task
Timeframe: baseline, 12-week follow-up