Effects of Sage on Memory and Mental Performance in Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Alzheimer Disease Clinical Trial

Official title: Effects of a Cognitive Enhancer on Memory and Cognitive Performance

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the herb sage in improving the mental function of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Study hypothesis: The administration of sage will improve cognitive function in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Clinical Trial Description

The herb sage has been shown to enhance memory and mental function in healthy, young adults. However, studies assessing the herb's effectiveness in older adults with symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are limited. This study will determine the effect of sage extract on the cognitive function of patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.

This study will last 6 weeks and will comprise 4 study visits, approximately 10 days apart. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either sage pills or no treatment during each 10-day period. The treatment assignments will be switched in 10-day intervals, so that during the course of the study, each participant will undergo two periods of sage treatment and two periods without treatment. At each study visit, participants will undergo cognitive testing, including tests to determine attention, memory, and visual cognition. Participants will also undergo an electroencephalogram (EEG) and an electrocardiogram (ECG) at each visit. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Alzheimer Disease

• NCT number: NCT00110552
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Oregon Health and Science University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1
• Start date: July 2005
• Completion date: October 2014