Avocado for Brain Aging

(AvoCog Trial)

Overseen By Matthew Taylor, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center

Must not be taking: Psychoactive, Investigational

Disqualifiers: Neurological disease, Cancer, Diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 12 weeks

70 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether eating one avocado a day can improve brain function in older adults. Researchers will examine changes in brain scans, memory tests, and blood flow in the brain. Participants will either eat an avocado daily or maintain their normal diet for 12 weeks. The trial seeks individuals aged 65-85 who are generally healthy, do not have dementia, and currently consume two or fewer avocados per month.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the potential cognitive benefits of avocados.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you use psychoactive or investigational medications.

Is there any evidence suggesting that adding avocados to the diet is safe for older adults?

Previous studies have linked regular avocado consumption to better brain health in older adults. Research shows that eating an avocado daily can improve focus and increase lutein levels, a nutrient beneficial for eyes and brain. Importantly, avocados have not raised major safety concerns. People have generally added them to their diets without issues. No significant negative effects have been reported, making avocados a safe choice for most individuals. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike the standard treatments for brain aging, which often involve medications and complex regimens, the avocado treatment is unique because it uses a simple dietary change—eating one avocado per day. This approach is exciting because avocados are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, which might support brain health in a natural and accessible way. Researchers are particularly interested in whether this delicious fruit can offer cognitive benefits without the side effects commonly associated with pharmaceuticals.

What evidence suggests that adding avocados to the diet could impact cognition in older adults?

Research has shown that eating avocados may benefit the brain, especially in older adults. One study found that people who ate avocados daily for 12 weeks performed better on cognitive tests. Another study discovered that over six months, older adults who consumed avocados experienced improved memory. Additionally, those who eat avocados tend to perform better on various brain function tests compared to those who don't. In this trial, participants in the Avocado Group will consume one avocado per day for 12 weeks to evaluate its effects on brain health. These findings suggest that adding avocados to the diet could support brain health as one ages. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 65-85, in good health with no serious diseases, a BMI of 18.5 - 35, and normal cognitive function (Mini Mental State Exam ≥26). They should eat few avocados and carotenoid-rich foods. Those with latex allergy, taking certain supplements, or having central neurological diseases or recent severe medical conditions cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I am in good health with no other major illnesses.

I am between 65 and 85 years old.

You have a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 35.

Exclusion Criteria

Latex allergy

I do not have central nervous system diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS, stroke, or brain tumor.

I haven't had cancer treatment or a serious heart event in the last 5 years.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume 1 avocado per day or continue their normal diet for 12 weeks, with cognitive tests, MRI, blood tests, and questionnaires conducted

12 weeks

4 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Avocado Group

Trial Overview

The AvoCog study tests if eating one avocado daily improves brain function in older adults without dementia. It compares an intervention group consuming avocados to a control group maintaining their usual diet over 12 weeks while monitoring changes through MRI scans, cognitive tests, blood flow measurements, and questionnaires.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Avocado Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will consume 1 avocado per day and receive education to maintain usual caloric intake for 12 weeks and participate in 4 study visits.

Group II: No Diet Modification Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will continue their normal dietary pattern for 12 weeks and participate in 4 study visits.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Kansas Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

527

Recruited

181,000+

Avocado Nutrition Center

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

560+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study of 2612 elderly participants over an average follow-up of 4.5 years, higher dietary intakes of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were linked to a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Specifically, for each increase in DHA and EPA intake, the risk of AD decreased, with hazard ratios of 0.73 and 0.74 respectively, indicating that these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may offer protective benefits against AD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dietary fatty acids and risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Observations from the Washington Heights-Hamilton Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP). Gustafson, DR., Bäckman, K., Scarmeas, N., et al.[2021]

In a study of 40 healthy older adults, higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, were linked to better cognitive performance, including improved memory recall and processing speed.

Increased omega-3 levels were also associated with greater brain structural integrity, specifically in areas like the entorhinal cortex and total white matter volume, suggesting a potential protective effect on brain health as we age.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Cognition, and Brain Volume in Older Adults. Loong, S., Barnes, S., Gatto, NM., et al.[2023]

Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in bioactive phytochemicals, may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by providing neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that these phytochemicals can mitigate age-related neuropathology associated with Alzheimer's, highlighting the importance of diet in brain health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects and mechanisms of actions of phytochemicals on Alzheimer's disease neuropathology. Hartman, RE., Ross, DM.[2022]

In a study of 401 older adults (ages 73-76), lower adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet (MeDi) was linked to a greater reduction in total brain volume over three years, indicating a potential protective effect of the diet against brain atrophy.

The study found that specific dietary components like fish and meat did not significantly influence brain volume changes, suggesting that the overall combination of MeDi components may be crucial for maintaining brain health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mediterranean-type diet and brain structural change from 73 to 76 years in a Scottish cohort. Luciano, M., Corley, J., Cox, SR., et al.[2022]

The 2010 NIH State of the Science Conference found insufficient evidence to recommend any primary prevention therapy for Alzheimer's disease, including omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), despite public interest and use.

Epidemiological data suggest that low intake of n-3 LC-PUFA is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline, but clinical trials have not specifically targeted these at-risk populations, indicating a gap in research that needs to be addressed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Current evidence for the clinical use of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids to prevent age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Dacks, PA., Shineman, DW., Fillit, HM.[2021]

A study involving 43 participants with mild cognitive impairment showed that long-term consumption of Greek High Phenolic Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil (HP-EH-EVOO) significantly reduced over-excitation in brain activity, as measured by EEG, compared to Moderate Phenolic EVOO and a Mediterranean Diet.

The HP-EH-EVOO intervention led to a notable decrease in the theta/beta ratio and improved dynamic connectivity in the brain, indicating potential cognitive benefits from this specific type of olive oil.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Greek High Phenolic Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil Reduces the Over-Excitation of Information-Flow Based on Dominant Coupling Mode (DoCM) Model in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: An EEG Resting-State Validation Approach. Dimitriadis, SI., Lyssoudis, C., Tsolaki, AC., et al.[2021]

In a study of 2,886 older adults, those who consumed avocados showed significantly better cognitive performance across various tests, including immediate and delayed recall, compared to non-consumers.

Even after adjusting for factors like education level, avocado consumers maintained higher cognitive scores, suggesting a potential link between avocado consumption and improved cognitive function in older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

US Older Adults That Consume Avocado or Guacamole Have Better Cognition Than Non-consumers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2014. Cheng, FW., Ford, NA., Taylor, MK.[2022]

A study involving 6321 Hispanic or Latino adults found that high adherence to a Mediterranean diet is linked to better cognitive performance and less decline in learning and memory over a 7-year period.

Participants with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet scored significantly better on cognitive tests compared to those with low adherence, suggesting that this diet may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Association of Mediterranean Diet With Cognitive Decline Among Diverse Hispanic or Latino Adults From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Moustafa, B., Trifan, G., Isasi, CR., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 225 drug-naïve patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, a medical food called Souvenaid showed a significant improvement in delayed verbal recall after 12 weeks compared to a control drink.

While the primary memory outcome improved, other cognitive measures and quality of life assessments did not show changes, indicating that the medical food specifically enhances certain aspects of cognitive function without negatively impacting overall health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a medical food in mild Alzheimer's disease: A randomized, controlled trial. Scheltens, P., Kamphuis, PJ., Verhey, FR., et al.[2022]

Citations

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8551489/

US Older Adults That Consume Avocado or Guacamole Have ...

Avocado consumers had significantly better cognitive scores across all cognitive tests and the global cognition score (p < 0.05) in the unadjusted model.

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clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06137339

AvoCog - the Effect of Daily Avocado Intake on Cognitive ...

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if adding avocados to the diet of impacts cognition in 70 older adults, age 65-85, without dementia. We will ...

3.

loveonetoday.com

loveonetoday.com/health-professionals/article/avocados-and-brain-health-evidence-based-insights-for-health-professionals/

Avocados and brain health: Evidence-based insights for ...

A clinical study found that 84 adults with overweight or obesity performed better on a cognitive test when eating fresh avocado daily for 12 weeks. Attentional ...

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sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167876019305598

Effects of 12-week avocado consumption on cognitive ...

In 2017, Scott and colleagues found that daily avocado intake over 6 months improved memory function among older adults (Scott et al., 2017). The authors were ...

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cdn.nutrition.org

cdn.nutrition.org/article/S2475-2991(23)09203-X/fulltext

Acute Effects of Avocado Consumption on Cognition

Only one randomized trial assessing the effects of avocado intake on cognition has been published to date, and the results were positive. The objective of this ...

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kumc.edu/about/news/news-archive/avocado-cognitive.html

Researchers find that older adults who are regular ...

A study published today in Frontiers in Nutrition showed that regular consumption of avocados is linked to better cognition.

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mdpi.com

mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/9/919

Avocado Consumption Increases Macular Pigment Density ...

A dietary intervention with avocados was found to improve cognitive function. This improvement could be related to the increase in MPD, a biomarker of lutein ...