The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Vascular and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The hardening of the arteries observed with aging raises blood pressure and contributes to poor brain blood flow and loss of cognitive function (i.e. attention, memory, solving problems, making decisions). Cognition is the most important determinant of overall health status, quality of life, functional ability and independence in older adulthood. Nutraceutical strategies have received considerable attention as they may improve cardiovascular health with far fewer side effects compared to drugs. In this regard, dairy products are particularly attractive. Higher dairy consumption is associated with lower blood pressure and improved memory in adults. Milk proteins have natural blood pressure lowering effects. Studies conducted in animals have demonstrated that whey protein (a component of milk protein) may also increase artery elasticity. This is important given the strong association between artery elasticity, brain blood flow, and risk for cognitive decline. The investigators propose to conduct a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study comparing the effects of whey protein supplementation or carbohydrate placebo on measures of artery elasticity, brain blood flow, and cognitive function in older adults. Whey protein may be a novel dietary therapy to improve both artery health and brain health in older adults.

Detailed Description
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Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either 50 g whey protein isolate or placebo each day for 12 weeks.

Official Title
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The Effect of Whey Protein Supplementation on Cerebrovascular and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Conditions
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Blood Pressure

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Whey protein supplement
* Dietary Supplement: Carbohydrate supplement


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: ages of 60-85 years Exclusion Criteria: acute or terminal illness Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26 (indicating dementia) myocardial infarction or stroke in the previous 6 months or other symptomatic coronary or peripheral artery disease type I or type II diabetes mellitus visual impairment upper or lower extremity fracture in the previous 6 months uncontrolled hypertension (150/90 mm Hg) cigarette smoking chronic kidney disease (albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) between 30-300 ug albumin/mg creatinine) liver disease chronic pulmonary/respiratory disease body mass index (kg/m2) < 21 or > 32 recent weight loss or gain greater than 7.5% of body weight within the previous 6 months currently supplementing diet with whey protein products milk-protein allergy, or allergy to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) head injury or symptoms of concussion in the past 3 months

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Whey protein supplement<br>Subjects will be instructed to consume 40 g whey protein each day for 12 weeks. | Dietary Supplement: Whey protein supplement<br>* Supplements will be provided in powder form and mixed into beverages to be consumed twice per day (after breakfast and after dinner).<br>* Other names: 100% whey protein isolate;|
| Active Comparator: Carbohydrate supplement<br>Subjects will be instructed to consume a carbohydrate supplement (iso-caloric to the whey supplement) each day for 12 weeks. | Dietary Supplement: Carbohydrate supplement<br>* Supplements will be provided in powder form and mixed into beverages to be consumed twice per day (after breakfast and after dinner).<br>* Other names: Maltodextrin;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in carotid artery blood pressure at 6 and 12 weeks |  | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in arterial stiffness at 6 and 12 weeks |  | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. | 
| Change in endothelial function at 6 and 12 weeks |  | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. | 
| Change in cognitive function at 6 and 12 weeks |  | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. | 
| Change in neurovascular coupling (carotid and cognitive perfusion during a mental challenge) at 6 and 12 weeks |  | These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 6-weeks and 12-weeks. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Whey Protein, Arterial Stiffness, Neurovascular Coupling, Cerebrovascular Reactivity, Hemodynamics, Blood Flow, Pulsatility