Effect of Complex Milk Lipids on memory and cognitive ageing

In Australia, people are living longer than generations before them, resulting in an ageing population. This is a concern for society as the ageing process can reduce an individual’s independence and is often accompanied by health conditions, which impact on brain function, including memory. Age-related changes in brain function appear to accompany changes in the brain itself. As a result, there is a drive to develop different interventions that might benefit the brain and therefore improve functions such as memory.

About this study

This study aims to investigate whether age-related cognitive effects can be reduced by increasing dietary intake of a macronutrient found in dairy products, called Complex Milk Lipids (CMLs). This intervention is suggested to be potentially beneficial because of the importance of lipids to the health of neurons and other cells within the brain.

What’s involved?

We’re looking for volunteers who have noticed changes in their memory skills and cognitive function. For example, you may feel you have become more forgetful (such as often misplacing your keys or forgetting the details from a previous conversation), and have noticed difficulties with remembering things (such as appointments or lunch dates with friends), or find that when doing tasks you need to really focus and concentration is more difficult.

You will need to meet the following criteria to participate in this study:

• Male or female aged 55–75 years
• BMI between 18.5 and 35 (inclusive — we can calculate this for you)
• Have noticed some changes in your memory function
• Not allergic to milk and rice
• Willing to attend a screening appointment and four visits in our clinic at Hawthorn over a 16-week period.

Note: Additional eligibility criteria may apply and will be assessed during study screening. Some participants will also have the opportunity to undergo brain imaging (MRI).

If you’re interested in participating, please send an email to milkstudy@swin.edu.au.

Study progress

This trial has finished recruitment. Data collection will be completed in June 2022.

For further enquiries

The Milk Study team

milkstudy@swin.edu.au