Whey protein drink shows promise for sharper minds in seniors
NCT ID NCT02082418
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether a whey protein called alpha-lactalbumin, which is high in the amino acid tryptophan, could improve mood and thinking in healthy older adults with mild memory problems. 59 participants took part. The idea is that this protein might help the brain make more serotonin, a chemical that affects mood and memory. The study measured changes in body protein, muscle strength, and cognitive function after a single protein drink.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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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
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59 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2014
- Finished
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Dec 2016
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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55 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide 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 subjects with dementia: * Dementia diagnosis * Ability to walk, sit down and stand up independently * Age 55 years or older * Ability to lie in supine or elevated position for 8 hours * Willingness and ability to comply with the protocol, including: Adhering to fasting state from 10 pm ± 2h onwards the day prior to each study visit Inclusion criteria healthy subjects: * Healthy male or female according to the investigator's or appointed staff's judgment * Ability to walk, sit down and stand up independently * Age 55 years or older * Ability to lie in supine or elevated position for 8 hours * Willingness and ability to comply with the protocol, including: Adhering to fasting state from 10 pm ± 2h onwards the day prior to each study visit Exclusion Criteria: * Any condition that may interfere with the definition 'healthy subject' according to the investigator's judgment (for healthy control group only) * Failure to give informed consent or Investigator's uncertainty about the willingness or ability of the subject to comply with the protocol requirements * Indication of severe cognitive impairment (MOCA score \< 17) * Established diagnosis of Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus * History of untreated metabolic disease(s) including hepatic or renal disorder * Presence of acute illness or metabolically unstable chronic illness * Presence of fever within the last 3 days * Preplanned surgery of procedures that would interfere with the conduct of the study * Any other condition according to the PI or study physician that would interfere with proper conduct of the study / safety of the patient * Current alcohol or drug abuse * Known allergy to milk or milk products * Use of long-term oral corticosteroids or short course of oral corticosteroids 4 weeks preceding first test day * Use of protein or amino acid containing nutritional supplements within 5 days of test day * (Possible) pregnancy * BMI of \< 18.5 or ≥ 40 kg/m2 * Dietary or lifestyle characteristics: When during the period from enrollment to completion of the study (end of test day) any condition is developed, whether causing the subject to not meet inclusion criteria or to meet exclusion criteria, the subject will be excluded from the study
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas, 77843, United States
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