Alzheimer's Disease: Potential Benefit of Isoflavones

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the potential effects of soy isoflavone supplements on cognitive function for men and women with Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Preliminary studies evaluating the effects of soy supplements on memory in cognitively healthy older adults have yielded promising results that are now being evaluated in patients with AD. It is hypothesized that isoflavone supplements will ameliorate cognitive declines for older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, when compared to subjects on placebo.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Alzheimer's Disease
• Intervention / Treatment: Drug: Novasoy; Drug: Placebo

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 72
• Phase: Phase 2

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Wisconsin
    • Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53792
      • University of Wisconsin

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 55 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of probable AD
• Has reliable and available caregiver to assist with medication and appointments
• On a stable dose of cholinesterase inhibitor, or if unable to tolerate medication, patient has no plans to re-initiate cholinergic therapies while in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or recent use (<6 months) of menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Current or recent use (<4 months) or oral antibiotic therapy
• Typical dietary intake of soy isoflavones >5 mg/day
• History or significant gastro-intestinal or colon disease, or colon/intestinal resection
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• History of breast cancer, or abnormal mammogram within 12 months
• History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, liver disease or unstable ischemic heart disease
• Significant neurological disease other than AD that might affect cognitive function, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or serious traumatic brain injury

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Quadruple

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Novasoy treated; 100mg/day soy isoflavones	Drug: Novasoy; 100mg/day soy isoflavones
Placebo Comparator: Placebo; 100mg/day matching placebo	Drug: Placebo; 100mg/day matching placebo

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cognitive Outcomes - Language Executive Function : Category Fluency Assessed as Number of Words Generated/Min	Participants are given 1 min to produce as many unique words as possible within a category (category fluency). More words per minute will correlates to better category fluency	6 months
Cognitive Outcomes - Language Executive Function : Phonemic Fluency/Verbal Fluency Assessed as Number of Words Generated Per Minute	Participants are given 1 min to produce as many words as possible starting with a given letter (letter fluency). More number of words per minute correlates to better phonemic fluency/verbal fluency	6 months
Immediate and Delayed Recall on Verbal Memory/ List Learning Immediate and Delayed Free Recall: Number of Words Recalled	List of 15 semantically unrelated words is presented verbally to the participants once, after which they are asked to free recall as many words as possible. Subsequently, this presentation-test routine (learning trials) is repeated four more times. A total recall score is determined by adding the number of recalled items for the five learning trials. After presentation of a distractor list and a delay of approximately 20 minutes, participants are asked to freely recall items from the original word list. A delayed recall score is then derived from this test.	6 months
Immediate and Delayed Recall on Verbal Memory/ Logical Memory Immediate and Delayed Recall: Number of Story Elements Recalled	In the logical delayed memory test, participants are read a logically organized story. Approximately 20 minutes later, the participants are asked to recall the story from memory (Delayed Recall). The version used in this study uses only one story (Story A) read once to participants at each study visit. Possible scores for delayed recall trials range from 0 to 25, with higher scores reflecting more details recalled.	6 months
Measure of Divided Attention: Time to Complete Trail Making Test B	Trail Making Test-Version B (TMT B) [113], a measure of divided attention, the subject is asked to draw lines to connect consecutively numbered and lettered circles, alternating between the 2 sequences. The time needed to complete the task is recorded. More time taken to complete the test or higher score indicates lower executive function/higher impairment.	6 months
A Test of Planning: Time to Complete Mazes	Time to complete mazes is a test of planning. Subjects are asked to complete a set of 3 mazes. The time taken to complete the maze is inversely proportional to the cognitive function.	6 months
Measure of Selective Attention: Time to Complete Stroop Color Word Test	Selective attention was evaluated with the Stroop Color Word Interference Test. In the interference portion of this test, the subject identifies the color of ink in which words ("red", "green", or "blue") are printed, requiring the subject to inhibit their natural tendency to read the word. A subject's score is the time taken to identify 50 stimulus items. The time taken to complete the maze is inversely proportional to the cognitive function.	6 months
Visual Memory Test: Complex Figure Delayed Recall; Number of Points	Visual memory will be evaluated by complex figure delayed recall test. In this test , a two dimensional figure is shown to the subjects. After a delay of 30 min, they are asked to draw the same figure based on their memory. The Complex Figure Test assesses the subject's ability to remember a 2-dimensional figure presented briefly. The scoring system used includes scores related to location, accuracy and organization. Higher score correlates to better visual memory.	6 months
Visual Memory : Benton Visual Retention Test: Number of Correct Figures	The Benton Visual Retention Test (or simply Benton test or BVRT) is an individually administered test for people aged from 8 years to adulthood that measures visual perception and visual memory. It can also be used to help identify possible learning disabilities among other afflictions that might affect an individual's memory. The individual examined is shown 10 designs, one at a time, and asked to reproduce each one as exactly as possible on plain paper from memory. The test is untimed, and the results are professionally scored by form, shape, pattern, and arrangement on the paper. For the 'test of number of correct figures' score is calculated based on an all-or-nothing approach; points are awarded if the reproduction of the design matches the original.	6 months
Cognitive Outcomes - Visual Memory : Benton Visual Retention; Number of Errors	The Benton Visual Retention Test is an individually administered test for people aged from 8 years to adulthood that measures visual perception and visual memory. It can also be used to help identify possible learning disabilities among other afflictions that might affect an individual's memory. The individual examined is shown 10 designs, one at a time, and asked to reproduce each one as exactly as possible on plain paper from memory. The test is untimed, and the results are professionally scored by form, shape, pattern, and arrangement on the paper. For the 'test of number of errors' score is calculated based on the number and type of errors made for each design. The major categories for these errors are omissions, distortions, perseverations, rotations, misplacements, and size errors.These scores are then be compared to several sets of normative data available in the manual, each representing different demographic characteristics, and conclusions can be drawn by the examiner.	6 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cognitive Outcomes - Visual Motor : Complex Figure Copy; Number of Points	Visual memory will be evaluated by Complex Figure copy test. The Complex Figure Test assesses the subject's ability to copy a 2-dimensional figure. The scoring system used include scores related to location, accuracy and organization. Higher score correlates to better visual memory.	6 months
Cognitive Outcomes - Visual Motor : Time to Complete Grooved Pegboard Test Using the Dominant Hand	The Grooved Pegboard is a dexterity test consisting of 25 holes with randomly positioned slots. Pegs with a key on one side must be rotated to match the hole before they can be inserted. Participants are instructed to place all pegs into the 25 holes, picking up one at a time, and using just one hand. They use their dominant hand. Time taken to finish the test inversely correlates to the cognitive ability.	6 months
Cognitive Outcomes - Visual Motor : Time to Complete Grooved Pegboard Test Using the Non-Dominant Hand	The Grooved Pegboard is a dexterity test consisting of 25 holes with randomly positioned slots. Pegs with a key on one side must be rotated to match the hole before they can be inserted. Participants are instructed to place all pegs into the 25 holes, picking up one at a time, and using just one hand. They use their non-dominant hand. Time taken to finish the test inversely correlates to the cognitive ability.	6 months
Cognitive Outcomes-Global Cognition : Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Score	During the MMSE, a health professional asks a participant a series of questions designed to test memory, ability to solve simple problems and other thinking skills. The maximum MMSE score - 30 points. Score of 20 to 24 - mild dementia, 13 to 20 - moderate dementia, and <12 indicates severe dementia. On average, the MMSE score of a person with Alzheimer's declines about 2 to 4 points each year.	6 months
Multiple Mood States: Profile of Mood States (POMS)-Depression Scale	Depression scale is one of the subscale of POMS. Depression scale has 15 items and scores ranges from 0-60. Higher score indicates more severe depression.	6 months
Multiple Mood States: Profile of Mood States (POMS)-Tension Scale	Tension scale is one of the subscale of POMS. Tension scale has 9 items and scores ranges from 0-36. Higher score indicates more severe outcomes.	6 months
Multiple Mood States: Profile of Mood States (POMS)-Anger Scale	Anger scale is one of the subscale of POMS. Tension scale has 12 items and scores ranges from 0-48. Higher score indicates more anger issues.	6 months
Multiple Mood States: Profile of Mood States (POMS)-Fatigue Scale	Fatigue scale is one of the subscale of POMS. Tension scale has 7 items and scores ranges from 0-28. Higher score indicates more fatigue.	6 months
Multiple Mood States: Profile of Mood States (POMS)-Vigor Scale	Vigor scale is one of the subscale of POMS. Vigor scale has 8 items and scores ranges from 0-32. Higher score indicates more severe outcomes.	6 months
Multiple Mood States: Profile of Mood States (POMS)-Confusion Scale	Confusion scale is one of the subscale of POMS. Confusion scale has 7 items and scores ranges from 0-28. Higher score indicates more severe outcomes.	6 months
Geriatric Depression Scale-Subject Report	Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) has been tested and used extensively with the older population to measure depression. Subject will self-report a short form GDS consisting of 15 questions. Out of 15 items, 10 indicate the presence of depression when answered positively, while the rest (question numbers 1, 5, 7, 11, 13) indicate depression when answered negatively. Scores of 0-4 are considered normal, depending on age, education, and complaints; Scores of 5-8 indicate mild depression; 9-11 indicate moderate depression; and Scores of 12-15 indicate severe depression. The Short Form is more easily used by physically ill and mildly to moderately demented patients who have short attention spans and/or feel easily fatigued. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to complete	6 months
Geriatric Depression Scale-Study Partner Report	Study partner is someone who has frequent contact with the subject (e.g. an average of 10 hours per week or more), and can accompany the subject to all clinic visits for the duration of the protocol. Study partner will report a short form GDS consisting of 15 questions. Out of 15 items, 10 indicate the presence of depression when answered positively, while the rest (question numbers 1, 5, 7, 11, 13) indicate depression when answered negatively. Scores of 0-4 are considered normal, depending on age, education, and complaints; Scores of 5-8 indicate mild depression; 9-11 indicate moderate depression; and Scores of 12-15 indicate severe depression. The Short Form is more easily used by physically ill and mildly to moderately demented patients who have short attention spans and/or feel easily fatigued. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to complete.	6 months
Number of Participants With ApoE4 Allele	The epsilon-4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE4) has been consistently associated with a greater risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as an earlier onset of AD. Determination of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype was performed on a non-fasting blood sample collected at Baseline, using standard Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing techniques in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory. DNA extracted from whole blood was amplified by PCR using specific primers for the ApoE gene and the DNA then sequenced and analyzed for genotype using the FinchTV program (Version 1.3; Geospiza, Inc.)	Baseline
Plasma Concentrations of Isoflavones at Baseline	Isoflavone assays will be performed on non-fasting blood samples collected at baseline. Novasoy capsules predominantly contain purified glycoside forms of isoflavones known genistein and diadzein. The plasma level of genistein and diadzine will be measured in the participants plasma.There is large inter-individual variations in the extent of intestinal metabolism, even when the quantity of isoflavone intake is standardized. Equol is a metabolite of isoflavones. Equol has high biological efficacy. Therefore, along with genistein and diadzein, plasma levels of equol will be measured to understand the isoflavone metabolism in the participants.	baseline
Plasma Concentrations of Isoflavones at Month 3	Isoflavone assays will be performed on non-fasting blood samples collected at month 3. Novasoy capsules predominantly contain purified glycoside forms of isoflavones known genistein and diadzein. The plasma level of genistein and diadzine will be measured in the participants plasma.There is large inter-individual variations in the extent of intestinal metabolism, even when the quantity of isoflavone intake is standardized. Equol is a metabolite of isoflavones. Equol has high biological efficacy. Therefore, along with genistein and diadzein, plasma levels of equol will be measured to understand the isoflavone metabolism in the participants.	At month 3
Plasma Concentrations of Isoflavones at Month 6	Isoflavone assays will be performed on non-fasting blood samples collected at month 6. Novasoy capsules predominantly contain purified glycoside forms of isoflavones known genistein and diadzein. The plasma level of genistein and diadzine will be measured in the participants plasma.There is large inter-individual variations in the extent of intestinal metabolism, even when the quantity of isoflavone intake is standardized. Equol is a metabolite of isoflavones. Equol has high biological efficacy. Therefore, along with genistein and diadzein, plasma levels of equol will be measured to understand the isoflavone metabolism in the participants.	At month 6
Plasma Concentrations of Estradiol at Baseline	Estradiol assay will be performed on non-fasting blood samples collected at baseline using an enzyme immunoassay kit.	baseline
Plasma Concentrations of Estradiol at 3 Month	Estradiol assay will be performed on non-fasting blood samples collected at baseline using an enzyme immunoassay kit.	At 3 month
Plasma Concentrations of Estradiol at 6 Month	Estradiol assay will be performed on non-fasting blood samples collected at baseline using an enzyme immunoassay kit.	At 6 month

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Collaborators: National Institutes of Health (NIH); National Institute on Aging (NIA)
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Carey E Gleason, PhD, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Gleason CE, Carlsson CM, Barnet JH, Meade SA, Setchell KD, Atwood CS, Johnson SC, Ries ML, Asthana S. A preliminary study of the safety, feasibility and cognitive efficacy of soy isoflavone supplements in older men and women. Age Ageing. 2009 Jan;38(1):86-93. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afn227. Epub 2008 Dec 2.
• Gleason CE, Fischer BL, Dowling NM, Setchell KD, Atwood CS, Carlsson CM, Asthana S. Cognitive Effects of Soy Isoflavones in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2015;47(4):1009-19. doi: 10.3233/JAD-142958.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: January 1, 2005
• Primary Completion (Actual): December 1, 2009
• Study Completion (Actual): December 1, 2009

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: September 13, 2005
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 13, 2005
• First Posted (Estimate): September 20, 2005

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): January 22, 2020
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 13, 2020
• Last Verified: January 1, 2020

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Mental Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurocognitive Disorders; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Dementia; Tauopathies; Alzheimer Disease
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2003-048; 5K23AG024302-03 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract); A534255 (Other Identifier: UW- Madison); SMPH/MEDICINE/MEDICINE*G (Other Identifier: UW Madison)

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: Yes
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No