Could a common supplement shield the aging brain from metabolic stress?

NCT ID NCT06040905

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Chung Shan Medical University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.

First seen Aug 21, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether taking coenzyme Q10, a natural antioxidant, for 12 weeks can improve blood sugar control and markers of brain health in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease who also have high blood sugar. Participants will take either the supplement or a placebo, and researchers will measure changes in glucose, insulin, and a protein called BDNF that supports brain function. The goal is to see if this simple supplement could ease the metabolic strain linked to cognitive decline.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Coenzyme Q10 (a dietary supplement) taken as 150 mg twice daily for 12 weeks
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple supplement to help protect brain function in people with early memory loss and high blood sugar.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial, so results may not apply widely. The supplement may not improve cognition or blood sugar, and side effects are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

51 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Jan 2024

Finished

Feb 2026

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

50 to 80 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD). * Hyperglycemia, defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL or current use of glucose-lowering medication. * Either without sarcopenia risk or with pre-sarcopenia/sarcopenia risk, as determined by calf circumference, handgrip strength, or muscle endurance. * Ability to swallow tablets. Exclusion Criteria: * Cancer. * Severe cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, or renal disease. * Severe disability or aphasia. * Malnutrition (body weight change \>5% within one month). * Current use of coenzyme Q10 supplements. * Current warfarin therapy.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ALZHEIMER DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction hyperglycemia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALZHEIMER DISEASE HYPERGLYCEMIA MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT PRE-SARCOPENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Chung Shan Medical University Hospital

Taichung, Taiwan

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.