Cognition, Flavonoids, Exercise, Gut Microbiome

Summary

This NIH project will examine the effects of routine flavonoid-rich blueberry intake (12-weeks), combined with or in the absence of regular moderate exercise, on cognitive function in a clinical population of older participants identified as experiencing age-related cognitive changes. This project's hypothesis is that the combination of flavonoid-rich diet and routine physical activity may potentiate cognitive benefits and reduce cognitive decline in an aging population, via mechanisms mediated by the gut microbiome.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA test) of 24.1-25.2 that indicates mild cognitive decline. The MoCA test score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores from 26 to 30 considered normal.
* Healthy, non-smoking male or female participants 65 to 85 years of age.
* Capable of engaging in a supervised 12-week exercise training program (brisk walking or stretching).
* Physically inactive (defined as less than 150 min/week moderate or less than 75 minutes vigorous aerobic and/or resistance exercise during the past 4 weeks).
* Willingness to be randomized to one of four groups.
* Willingness to provide blood, urine, and fecal samples (3 each),
* Willingness to avoid blueberry intake during the 12-weeks study (other than what is provided through the study).
* Willingness to maintain current diet and physical activity patterns during the study (other than what is prescribed as a part of the study), and make no formal attempts to lose or gain body weight.
* Willingness to be a participant in this study only and not enter any other studies.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to blueberries.
* Diagnosis of Type I or Type 2 diabetes.
* Chronic cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal condition that is uncontrolled (controlled defined as stable for 6 months or more).
* History of signs or symptoms during rest or physical activity such as chest discomfort, unreasonable breathlessness, dizziness, fainting, or blackouts.
* Use of any prescription or over-the-counter drug intended to support cognition or with known cognitive side effects.
* Any other concurrent condition or use of medications or supplements which, in the opinion of the study clinician would preclude participation in this study.
* Diagnosis of dementia.

Conditions2

Locations1 site

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