Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Ketogenic Diet to Reduce Osteoarthritis Pain in MCI

United States10 participantsStarted 2026-06-01

Plain-language summary

Osteoarthritis and mild cognitive impairment are common conditions that share underlying biological processes related to metabolism and inflammation. This study will examine whether a well-formulated ketogenic diet influences pain, physical function, and cognitive outcomes in adults with osteoarthritis and mild cognitive impairment. Participants will follow a supervised ketogenic dietary intervention, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in symptoms and related biological markers. The goal of this study is to better understand shared mechanisms between joint pain and cognitive health and to explore whether a ketogenic dietary approach may support symptom management in these populations.

Who can participate

Age range

55 Years – 75 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking * Diagnosis of major joint osteoarthritis * Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes that requires insulin * Cancer requiring chemo- or radiation therapy in the last 2 years * Cardiac event within 1 year * Recent history of renal stones * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia * Already following a ketogenic diet * Following a dietary pattern that does not allow for a ketogenic approach * Unable to control one's diet

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

Pain intensity and pain interference using a Visual Analog Scale

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Health-related quality of life using a Questionnaire

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of treatment at 8 weeks

Physical Function via Functional Activities Questionnaire

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of treatment at 8 weeks.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for brief global cognitive screening

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of treatment at 8 weeks.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07417891

SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-04-01

Contact for this trial

Jessica Keller, PhD, RDN

913-609-5915 jkeller8@kumc.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Hip trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

55 Years – 75 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.

What they're measuring

Pain intensity and pain interference using a Visual Analog Scale

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Health-related quality of life using a Questionnaire

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of treatment at 8 weeks

Physical Function via Functional Activities Questionnaire

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of treatment at 8 weeks.

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for brief global cognitive screening

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of treatment at 8 weeks.