AvoCog - the Effect of Daily Avocado Intake on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

AvoCog - The Effect of Daily Avocado Intake on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

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 test for change in functional MRI, cognitive performance, and brain blood flow. Intervention group participants will be asked to consume 1 avocado per day for 12 weeks. Participants in the control group will be asked to continue their normal intake for 12 weeks. Throughout the study, participants will be asked to perform cognitive tests, MRI, blood tests, and questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females aged 65-85 years
• Good general health with no concomitant disease
• BMI 18.5 - 35 kg/m2
• Mini Mental State Exam ≥26
• Reports consuming ≤2 medium avocados per month
• Reports consuming ≤3 servings of carotenoid-rich foods per week and ≤3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day
• Skin carotenoid content <400

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unwilling or unable to consume avocado
• Latex allergy
• Consistently taking lutein + zeaxanthin supplements
• Skin carotenoid content ≥400
• Central neurological disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumor, etc.
• Serious medical risk: cancer requiring chemotherapy or radiation within the past 5 years, recent cardiac event (i.e. heart attack, etc.)
• Diabetes mellitus or uncontrolled hypertension
• Use of psychoactive or investigational medications
• Consumption of ≥3 alcoholic drinks per day or substance abuse
• Unable to undergo MRI