Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

An Investigation Into the Feasibility of Beetroot Juice Supplementation in People Living With Alzheimer's Disease.

This study is investigating if beetroot juice could be helpful for people living with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to answer two main questions: First, is it easy and acceptable for people with Alzheimer's to drink beetroot juice regularly, without side effects? Second, does drinking beetroot juice twice a day for a week actually lead to improvements in their health? Participants will drink beetroot juice for one week and have their health checked before and after. This research aims to understand if beetroot juice is a practical and potentially beneficial addition to daily life for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. It's not about finding a cure, but exploring if a simple dietary change could offer some support.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of the West of Scotland

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2026

Alzheimer's Disease

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into whether drinking beetroot juice could be helpful for people with Alzheimer's disease. Often, when we think about managing health conditions, we focus on medicines, but sometimes simple changes to our diet can also play a role. That's what this study aims to find out regarding beetroot juice.

The main idea behind this study is twofold. Firstly, the researchers want to see if it's realistic for someone with Alzheimer's disease to drink beetroot juice regularly. This means checking if it’s easy to remember to take, if it tastes okay, and if it causes any unwanted side effects. Secondly, they want to explore if drinking beetroot juice twice a day for one week might lead to any positive changes in health measures for people with Alzheimer's disease. They will compare health information from before and after the beetroot juice period to see if there are any differences.

It's important to remember that this is an early study to see if a beetroot juice supplement 'works' on a practical level and if there are any measurable health changes. It's not looking for a cure, but rather investigating if this natural drink could offer a simple, supportive step. The findings from this research will help guide future, larger studies to understand more about beetroot juice and Alzheimer's disease.

Key takeaways

This study explores if beetroot juice can be useful for mild to moderate Alzheimer's.
It checks how easy it is to drink beetroot juice regularly.
It also looks for any health improvements after one week of drinking the juice.
Participants will have health checks before and after the one-week juice period.
You need to be aged 65-85 with mild/moderate Alzheimer's to take part.
A friend or family member needs to help with reminders to drink the juice.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be aged between 65 and 85 years old and have been diagnosed with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. It's important that you can speak, read, and understand English, as you'll be giving your agreement to take part and following instructions.

Because you'll need to remember to drink the beetroot juice twice a day, you will also need to have someone like a family member, partner, or close friend who can help remind you. This is to make sure you take the beetroot juice doses regularly as planned within the study.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your Alzheimer's disease is advanced or severe, or if you have another serious brain condition. If you've recently taken antibiotics (in the last month), used certain mouthwashes (in the last month), or are on medicines that affect how your body uses nitrates (an ingredient in beetroot), you also won't be able to participate. You also can't be allergic to beetroot or already taking part in another medicine trial.

Quick self-check

Are you aged between 65 and 85 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease?
Can you speak, read, and understand English easily?
Do you have a family member or friend who can help remind you to take the juice?
Are you NOT allergic to beetroot?
Have you NOT used antibiotics or certain mouthwashes in the last month?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, here's what you can expect. Before you start, you'll have a first visit for some health checks and tests. This visit will take up to three hours. You'll also need to keep a record of everything you eat and drink for one day before this initial testing.

Then, for one full week, you'll drink a beetroot juice supplement twice a day. During this week, you'll also be asked to note down any problems or side effects you experience with the juice. After the week of drinking beetroot juice, you'll have a second visit for more health checks and tests, again lasting up to three hours. Before this final visit, you'll complete another one-day food diary. So, in total, you'll have two longer visits, complete two short food diaries, and drink beetroot juice for seven days.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you might contribute to new knowledge about how beetroot juice could potentially support people with Alzheimer's disease. While there's no guarantee of direct personal benefit, some participants might notice minor improvements in their health, or you might find the beetroot juice enjoyable to include in your diet. Potential risks are generally low, as beetroot juice is a common food, but some people might experience mild digestive upset or dislike the taste. You will be asked to report any problems you experience. Importantly, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of the West of Scotland
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to see if beetroot juice can be easily included in the daily routine of people with Alzheimer's and if it has any positive effects on their health.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be actively involved for about one week, with two assessment visits (up to 3 hours each) outside of that week, and two 1-day food diaries.

What do I have to drink?

You will be asked to drink a beetroot juice supplement twice a day for one week.

Why do I need someone to help me?

You need a carer, partner, or friend to help remind you to take the beetroot juice twice a day, to make sure you stick to the study plan.

Are there any side effects from beetroot juice?

Beetroot juice is generally safe, but you'll be asked to note down any problems you experience, such as digestive issues or dislike of the taste.

How to find out more

Scott N Findlay

scott.findlay@uws.ac.uk +447909159194 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.