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ALA-enriched Nutrition for Prevention of Cognitive Decline in APOE4 Older Adults

Alpha Linolenic Acid-enriched Nutrition for Prevention of Cognitive Decline in APOE4 Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Targeting Cerebrovascular and Blood-brain Barrier Health

Who can join

Ages 60 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 60 years or older
* Have amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) - memory problems that do not interfere with daily life.
* Carry at least one APOE4 gene allele (determined by a blood test).
* Be fluent in English or Spanish.
* Have a study partner (family member or friend) who can provide information about daily function.
* Have the ability to give informed consent and comply with study visits and procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of dementia or any other brain disease that significantly affects thinking or memory (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury).
* History of stroke or other major neurological condition.
* Short life expectancy due to end-stage disease or other serious medical condition.
* Active cancer treatment that could interfere with study participation.
* Allergy or sensitivity to flaxseed oil or corn oil.
* Current use of flaxseed, flax oil, or fish oil supplements more than once per week.
* MRI contraindications, such as pacemakers, metallic implants, or severe claustrophobia.
* Current or past history of prostate cancer, regardless of remission status, OR a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level \> 20 ng/mL at screening.
* Use of experimental Alzheimer's treatments (e.g., amyloid monoclonal antibodies) unless on a stable regimen as confirmed by the treating physician.

About the study

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial will evaluate the effects of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) supplementation on cognitive function, blood-brain barrier integrity, and brain vascular health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and APOE4 genotype. By targeting the endogenous synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) through ALA supplementation, the investigators aim to overcome the limitations of direct DHA supplementation, particularly in APOE4 carriers who exhibit low brain DHA levels and impaired blood-brain barrier function. This innovative approach offers a safe, cost-effective, and easily implementable therapeutic strategy for older adults at high risk for Alzheimer's dementia, especially APOE4 carriers, addressing a critical need given the limited cognitive benefits and significant adverse events of current amyloid-clearing drugs in this population.

What is being tested

• Alpha-Linolenic Acid (2.6 g/day) (drug)
• Placebo Control Group (dietary supplement)

Sponsor: Michal Schnaider Beeri, Ph.D. · Participants: 20 · Started: Jan 12, 2025

Contact the study team

• Claudio Mendes, MS · Phone: 8489328412
• Rebecca West-Mortimer, PHD · Phone: 8489328415

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07392723

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Nerve Degeneration

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.