People who report subjective memory complaints have a greater risk of developing dementia. Memory issues may be an early warning sign of dysfunctional cerebral glucose metabolism and cerebral blood flow. Interventions that can restore cerebral metabolism and enhance cerebral blood flow may protect against conversion to dementia. Exogenous ketone supplements have been shown rapidly improves brain network function in young adults. Further, infusion studies demonstrate that ketone bodies enhance cerebral blood flow in cognitively normal adults. Whether acute ketone monoester supplementation can improve brain function in adults with subjective memory complaints is currently unknown. This study will investigate the effects of a single ketone monoester dose on resting-state functional connectivity in the default mode network and resting cerebral blood flow in adults with subjective memory complaints.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
30
Ingestion of a taste-matched calorie-free placebo drink followed by 90 minutes of rest.
Ingestion of a high dose \[R\]-3-hydroxybutyl \[R\]-3-hydroxybutyrate (0.6 g β-OHB/kg body weight) followed by 90 minutes of rest.
McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
RECRUITINGBrain network connectivity
Functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) is measured via functional MRI. Changes in BOLD signal in each region are determined by independent component analysis and then functional connectivity is measured as a Pearson correlation (r) between the neural regions comprising the DMN and transformed into a z score.
Time frame: 90 minutes
Cerebral blood flow
Sum of blood flow in the internal carotid and vertebral arteries via phase contrast MRI in ml/min.
Time frame: 90 minutes
Working memory
Computer battery to assess working memory (n-back test) based on N2 reaction time
Time frame: 90 minutes
Executive function
Computer battery to assess executive function (Stroop test) based on Stroop Cost (reaction times to incongruent stimuli minus congruent stimuli).
Time frame: 90 minutes
Attention and working memory
Computer battery to assess working memory (digit symbol substitution task) based on the number of correct responses in 120 seconds.
Time frame: 90 minutes
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.