A Scalable Nutrition Adherence Intervention

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Objective 1: To scale-up the nutrition adherence intervention for testing in predominantly Black and African-American rural communities in North Florida. The investigators hypothesize that: 1. The protocol will produce at least 75% of participants obtaining measurable levels of urine ketones (e.g., good adherence) in the Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition (MKN) group and an average score of >9 on the MEDAS questionnaire in the Mediterranean group during the 10-week program. Objective 2: To evaluate the effects of adherence to Mediterranean versus Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition on novel gut-brain axis markers of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis in individuals with mild cognitive impairment compared to cognitively normal older adults. The investigators hypothesize that individuals with mild cognitive impairment will: Have greater evidence of gut dysbiosis at baseline than cognitively normal controls and Will demonstrate greater increases in beneficial gut microbial metabolites in response to adherence to Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition and the Mediterranean diet compared to CN controls.

Detailed Description
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Recruitment: Throughout years 1 through 3, my team will engage in outreach initiatives to expand on my laboratory's current participant registry to increase numbers of diverse rural adults aged 50+. Currently, the PI's laboratory includes a participant registry of 456 individuals aged 55+; however, only 9% are non-white and it is unclear how many of these individuals are from rural areas. Thus, we will work with consultants from the UF-FSU CTSA Community Engagement Core to reach my registry goal N of 500 additional rural individuals (aged 50+). Recruitment efforts will also include collaboration with local community-based organizations and institutions, (e.g., social service providers, faith-based institutions, healthcare providers, elder/aging advocacy organizations, senior centers, etc.). Similarly, recruitment of participants for the focus groups will be through community outreach such as posting flyers and in-person recruitment at health clinics, Senior centers, and other community centers. FSU is uniquely suited to recruit a diverse rural cohort given its geographic location in North Florida. Trial Protocol Design: A total of 64 participants will be recruited for the efficacy trial, with approximately equal numbers of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and cognitively normal individuals. A 10-week intervention period was chosen based on preliminary data on participant response and prior work showing 10-weeks as an adequate period to demonstrate benefits from Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition. Assessments will be completed in-person at baseline, 10-weeks, 6-months, and 1 year to evaluate long-term adherence. Additionally, weekly online assessments will be completed during the initial 10-weeks, and then monthly throughout the remainder of the study to collect the at-home urine ketone adherence data. Preliminary screen: Participants will be recruited via email and phone contact from the rural participant registry. Potential participants will be screened by phone for eligibility to participate. We will recruit approximately equal participants categorized as having possible mild cognitive impairment or likely cognitively normal based on an initial screening including the telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), an age anchored subjective memory questionnaire (SMQ), and the Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ).48 Additionally, basic demographics, health conditions, medications, dietary restrictions, and major psychiatric illnesses will be included in the telephone screener. Baseline Assessment: Consented participants for the clinical trial will be scheduled to come in-person for a 2-hour visit at CTBScience that will occur in the 2 weeks prior to beginning their assigned study arm. The assessment will consist of 1) basic vitals and biometrics assessment, 2) a urine and breath ketone assessment, 3) a brief clinical interview and the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status - Update Form A (RBANS-Update), 4) measures of socio-emotional functioning (e.g., mood, stress, physical activity, sleep), 5) self-reported health assessments, and 6) a fasting blood draw for a comprehensive metabolic panel (completed by a trained phlebotomist). Participants will also be mailed or pick up a fecal sample collection kit prior to the appointment, which will be collected using the protocol described below. All survey items will be administered via REDCap using an iPad, while the clinical interview and the RBANS-Update will be administered by a trained research assistant. All participants will receive two bottles of urine ketone test strips to complete at-home testing and tracking and the participant workbook materials. All data collected will be entered into REDCap by research assistants. These procedures have been successfully piloted in early phase trials in my lab. Intervention Procedures: Using a centralized telehealth approach, the Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition adherence program will consist of 10, 1-hour weekly group meetings, which will take place via HIPAA-compliant Zoom. The nutrition information and psychoeducation components will be delivered via pre-recorded interactive videos and followed by PowerPoints guiding participants through structured skills practice and opportunity for discussion and questions. These standardized videos will help ensure intervention fidelity. A nurse practitioner with expertise in functional medicine will attend the first session, and will be available to the group leaders as a consultant for nutrition questions and potential side-effects or safety concerns. Participants will be asked to report any side-effects they notice immediately to their group leader or to a study team member, and a reminder of this will be provided each session. Sessions will be devoted to providing nutrition information, building group support, identifying participant goals, and working as a group to overcome barriers. Participants will also be provided with access to an online forum for sharing recipes and additional interaction/support outside of the live group meetings. Participants will be provided with individualized guidance on titrating into a ketogenic macronutrient ratio across the first 5 weeks, starting at 50% fats/25% protein/25% net carbohydrates up to 70% fats/25% protein/5% net carbohydrates). Once participants achieve measurable ketosis (trace-small), they are given more flexibility to adjust their ratio to fit their preference, while maintaining benefits. Of note, there is an emphasis on obtaining these macronutrients from high quality food sources, rich in micronutrients, as well as focusing net carbohydrates in order to increase fiber intake. All participants receive a participant workbook, which includes optional Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition recipes and grocery lists developed in my lab, nutrition education handouts, resources for tracking and counting macronutrients, and ketone and food tracking diaries. At the conclusion of the program, participants are recommended to flexibly apply the nutrition and motivational interviewing-cognitive behavior therapy (MI-CBT) skills they learn with a goal of continuing to obtain at least trace levels of ketones. Of note, these procedures may be modified based on feedback from the focus groups. Further, a maintenance component will be added based on focus group feedback that may involve booster sessions, an ongoing support group, or online forum. Weekly Tracking: Participants will complete daily at-home urine ketone testing during the 10-weeks following baseline assessments, and once weekly during the post-intervention period. Throughout the 10-week Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition intervention period, all participants will complete weekly online surveys to track changes in health status, weight, daily ketone values, mood, sleep, and physical activity. 10-week Post-Assessments: In the 10th week of the program, my team will evaluate Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition adherence based on participant self-reported adherence to Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition using a 0-10 scale (0=not at all, 5=half the time, 10=very consistent) and participant reported daily urine ketone levels throughout the program. Urine and breath ketone levels will also be evaluated during the post-assessment. All participants will repeat all procedures from baseline (e.g., questionnaires, RBANS-Update Form B testing, fecal collection kit, a fasting blood draw for cardiometabolic outcomes), excluding the clinical interview. A representative subset of participants will complete semi-structured interviews at each follow-up session to collect qualitative data on their experience in the program (N=20). Satisfaction with the program will be assessed using the client satisfaction questionnaire. 6-Month & 12-Month Post-assessment: To evaluate the long-term impacts of the Mediterranean-Ketogenic nutrition program on adherence and relevant gut-brain factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, we will complete in-person post-assessments 6-months and 12-months after their completion of the program. During this time period, participants will continue completing at-home urine ketone testing at least once per week and will complete monthly surveys to collect these values in addition to information about their health, mood, sleep, physical activity, and weight. During each in-person assessment, participants will repeat all procedures from the 10-week appointment (using forms C and D of the RBANS-Update), including a fasting blood draw for cardiometabolic outcomes.

Official Title
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A Scalable Mediterranean-ketogenic Nutrition Intervention to Improve Gut and Brain Health in Underserved Rural Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Conditions
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Alzheimer Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Modified Mediterranean Ketogenic Nutrition Adherence Program
* Behavioral: Mediterranean Nutrition Adherence Program


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Ages 55-85 converted telephone MoCA total score: MCI = 17 ≤ 26, CN= ≥27 interest in participating in a nutrition program stable medical condition (at least 3 months prior to screening visit) at the discretion of study physician stable on medications if any (at least 4 weeks prior to screening visit) at the discretion of study physician able to complete the required assessments Exclusion Criteria: MoCA ≤ 16, or diagnosis of neurodegenerative illness (except MCI or early AD in the MCI group) current evidence or history in the last 1 year of focal brain lesion, head injury with loss of consciousness, or any major psychiatric disorder including psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe major depression (PHQ-9 > 20), alcohol or substance abuse sensory impairment (visual or auditory) that might preclude participant from participating in the study serious medical risk or organ failure, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, recent cardiac event (e.g. heart attack, angioplasty) prescribed Warfarin, insulin, or immunosuppressants use of medications including anticonvulsants, drugs with potential interfering CNS effects (except cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine), and medications with known anticholinergic activity a nut or fish allergy (does not include shellfish) current use of highly restrictive or specialized diet regimen (e.g., vegan, use of MAOIs etc.) major digestive disorders, absorption issues, or surgeries that could be exacerbated by dietary intervention Non-English speaking.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 55 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: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: MKN Adherence Program + Maintenance Opt 1<br>The M-KN adherence program will consist of 10, 1-hour weekly group meetings, which will take place via HIPAA-compliant Zoom. Sessions will be devoted to providing nutrition information, building group support, identifying participant goals, and working as a group to overcome barriers. Participants will be provided with access to ongoing monthly support groups after the 10-week program ends. | Behavioral: Modified Mediterranean Ketogenic Nutrition Adherence Program<br>* Participants will be provided with education, support, and resources for following a Mediterranean diet in addition to titrating into a ketogenic macronutrient ratio across the first 5 weeks, starting at 50% fats/25% protein/25% net carbohydrates up to 70% fats/25% protein/5% net carbohydrates).<br>* Other names: MMKD;|
| Active Comparator: Mediterranean Adherence Program + Maintenance Opt 1<br>The Mediterranean adherence program will consist of 10, 1-hour weekly group meetings, which will take place via HIPAA-compliant Zoom. Sessions will be devoted to providing nutrition information, building group support, identifying participant goals, and working as a group to overcome barriers. Participants will be provided with access to ongoing monthly support groups after the 10-week program ends. | Behavioral: Mediterranean Nutrition Adherence Program<br>* Participants will be provided with education, support, and resources for following a Mediterranean diet.<br>|
| Experimental: MKN Adherence Program + Maintenance Opt 2<br>The M-KN adherence program will consist of 10, 1-hour weekly group meetings, which will take place via HIPAA-compliant Zoom. Sessions will be devoted to providing nutrition information, building group support, identifying participant goals, and working as a group to overcome barriers. Participants will be provided with two additional booster sessions after the 10-week program ends. | Behavioral: Modified Mediterranean Ketogenic Nutrition Adherence Program<br>* Participants will be provided with education, support, and resources for following a Mediterranean diet in addition to titrating into a ketogenic macronutrient ratio across the first 5 weeks, starting at 50% fats/25% protein/25% net carbohydrates up to 70% fats/25% protein/5% net carbohydrates).<br>* Other names: MMKD;|
| Active Comparator: Mediterranean Adherence Program + Maintenance Opt 2<br>The Mediterranean adherence program will consist of 10, 1-hour weekly group meetings, which will take place via HIPAA-compliant Zoom. Sessions will be devoted to providing nutrition information, building group support, identifying participant goals, and working as a group to overcome barriers. Participants will be provided with two additional booster sessions after the 10-week program ends. | Behavioral: Mediterranean Nutrition Adherence Program<br>* Participants will be provided with education, support, and resources for following a Mediterranean diet.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ketosis (adherence) | Participants will show measurable levels of ketones using at-home urinalysis test strips by week 10 of the intervention, as evidenced by small trace amounts of ketones on the urine strips. | Baseline, 10-weeks, 6 months, 12 months | 
| Mediterranean Diet (adherence) | Participants will show acceptable adherence to a Mediterranean diet by week 10 of the intervention, as shown by an average score of >9 on Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire. | Baseline, 10-weeks, 6 months, 12 months | 
| Gut Microbial Metabolites | Participants with MCI will show greater increases in beneficial gut microbial metabolites in response to M-KN and the Mediterranean diet compared to CN controls demonstrating beneficial changes in the gut brain axis. | Baseline, 10-weeks, 6 months, 12 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Clinical signal of effect | Clinical change on the total scaled score of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) from baseline to 12-month follow up, with higher scores indicating greater improvement in cognitive functioning at follow up. | Baseline, 10-weeks, 6 months, 12 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Mediterranean ketogenic nutrition, Mediterranean diet