Pecan vs Pretzel Snacks for Cognitive Impairment

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Overseen ByChwan-Li (Leslie) Shen, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2
Sponsor: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This project will investigate whether daily snack consumption can improve memory, mood, and overall brain function in people with cognitive impairment. Sixty participants, aged 50 and older, with cognitive impairment, will be randomly assigned to eat snacks, either pecans or pretzels, for three months. Researchers will also study how snacks (pecans and pretzels) may influence the body, including changes in gut bacteria, blood markers of inflammation, and signals that connect the gut and the brain.

Who Is on the Research Team?

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Chwan-Li (Leslie) Shen, PhD

Principal Investigator

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for men and women over 50 with cognitive impairment, evidenced by specific questionnaire scores. They must have stable medication doses, consume less than two servings of nuts per week, and be open to random snack assignments.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 50 years old.
I eat less than two servings of nuts or nut spreads weekly.
I am willing to be randomly assigned to a treatment group.
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume either pecans or pretzels daily for 3 months to assess effects on brain health and gut-brain axis

12 weeks
Baseline and after 3 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Pecan snack
  • Pretzel snack

Trial Overview

The study tests if daily snacks (pecans or pretzels) can improve memory, mood, and brain function in those with cognitive issues. It also examines the effects on gut health and inflammation over three months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Active Control

Placebo Group

Group I: PecanActive Control1 Intervention
Group II: PretzelPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
107
Recruited
11,500+