Glycine Supplementation Improves Cognitive Performance in Mexican Older Adults

Brenda Sarahí Beristain Lujano59 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily glycine supplementation on metabolic health and cognitive performance in older adults. Over a period of six months, participants received 1,000 mg of glycine per day to determine if this amino acid could improve markers of insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and cognitive functions such as memory and executive tasks. The research aimed to identify whether this nutritional intervention provides a safe and effective strategy to support healthy aging, focusing on the link between metabolic balance and brain health in the elderly population.

A 6-month longitudinal study was conducted, featuring a glycine supplementation phase followed by a dietary maintenance period. Cognitive assessments and serum BDNF levels were monitored at baseline, 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T6). Which included the evaluation of fasting glucose, insulin levels, insulin resistance indices, and specific metabolic biomarkers. Concurrently, cognitive functions were evaluated utilizing standardized neuropsychological instruments to measure changes in memory, attention, and executive function. Linear Mixed-Effects Models (LMM) were used to analyze temporal trajectories.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Older Adults With Cognitive Decline

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 60 YearsMax age: 80 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: -Individuals across all nutritional statuses according to Body Mass Index (BMI): underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Exclusion Criteria: * Clinically relevant comorbidities (requiring patient hospitalization or a diagnosis of any infectious/contagious disease). * Consumption of polyphenol-based supplements or herbal blends within the two weeks prior to the study. * Mental incapacity. * Lack of willingness. * Language barriers that prevent adequate understanding or co-operation.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels

Serum concentrations of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) measured via ELISA. Unit of Measure: pg/mL

Time frame: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T6)

Secondary Outcomes

Cognitive performance evaluated by the Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Cognitive performance assessed using the Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Total scores range from 0 to 30, where higher scores indicate better cognitive performance. * ≥ 26 points: Considered within the normal range. * 18 - 25 points: Commonly associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). * 10 - 17 points: Suggests Moderate Cognitive Impairment. * \< 10 points: Suggests Severe Cognitive Impairment.