Effect of 8 weeks of cherry concentrate supplementation on cognitive function and brain perfusion in healthy older adults
The investigators will perform a double blind, randomised controlled study to determine whether cherry polyphenols improve peripheral vascular function and cerebral perfusion resulting in improved task related brain activation and cognitive function. 30 healthy elderly men and women 60-85y years will be recruited to complete 8-week supplementation with MC concentrate or an isoenergetic cherry placebo concentrate. Participants will be pair matched for age, sex, and cognitive function (Adenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III, ACE-III) and then randomised using a sealed envelope system to receive either placebo or cherry.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
30
Brain perfusion
Arterial spin labelling using MRI, measure will be reported as ml/min
Time frame: Change from baseline to 8 weeks supplementation
Cognitive function
Battery of cognitive function tasks assessing executive function, global cognitive function score will be reported
Time frame: Change from baseline to 8 weeks supplementation
Brain activation (fMRI)
fMRI using a hippocampal biased task
Time frame: Change from baseline to 8 weeks supplementation
Plasma nitrite concentration
Plasma sample analysed via chemiluminescence technique
Time frame: Change from baseline to 8 weeks supplementation
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