Optimizing CNS DHA Delivery in Elderly Adults at Risk for Dementia
The purpose of this placebo-controlled trial is to compare the effects of 24-weeks supplementation with LPC-DHA and TAG-DHA on cerebrospinal fluid and blood DHA levels, as well as biomarkers of central neurodegenerative and neurotrophic activity, in elderly adults experiencing early signs of cognitive/memory decline. Extant evidence supports our overarching hypothesis that LPC-DHA supplementation will be more effective than TAG-DHA for increasing central (CSF) DHA levels and improving biomarker profiles in elderly adults. To assess this hypothesis, the following aims are proposed: SPECIFIC AIM 1: To compare the effects of LPC-DHA and TAG-DHA supplementation on peripheral and CSF DHA levels in elderly adults experiencing early signs of cognitive/memory decline. SPECIFIC AIM 2: To compare the effects of LPC-DHA and TAG-DHA supplementation on neurotrophic and neurodegenerative biomarkers. Secondary Aim: To investigate whether changes in CSF DHA levels correlate with changes in objective measures of executive functioning and episodic memory performance.
• men and women 62 to 80 years old;
• presence of subjective cognitive decline using the SCD questionnaire, DEX and EMQ, education-adjusted MoCA score of \>23 \[106,107\]; and preservation of independence in functional abilities, as corroborated by an informant providing information on the mCDR \[108\];
• No contraindication to a lumbar puncture (e.g., thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, concomitant use of anticoagulant medications, etc.);
• fluency in English;
• ability to comprehend and comply with the research protocol; and
• provision of written informed consent.