Efficacy of a medical food in mild Alzheimer's disease: A randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of a medical food on cognitive function in people with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods A total of 225 drug-naïve AD patients participated in this randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Patients were randomized to active product, Souvenaid, or a control drink, taken once-daily for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures were the delayed verbal recall task of the Wechsler Memory Scale–revised, and the 13-item modified Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale at week 12. Results At 12 weeks, significant improvement in the delayed verbal recall task was noted in the active group compared with control ( P = .021). Modified Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale and other outcome scores (e.g., Clinician Interview Based Impression of Change plus Caregiver Input, 12-item Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Alzheimer's disease Co-operative Study–Activities of Daily Living, Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease) were unchanged. The control group neither deteriorated nor improved. Compliance was excellent (95%) and the product was well tolerated. Conclusions Supplementation with a medical food including phosphatide precursors and cofactors for 12 weeks improved memory (delayed verbal recall) in mild AD patients. This proof-of-concept study justifies further clinical trials.