RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

ETASCAN Project: ETAS Project 2

This research, called the ETASCAN Project, is investigating whether a supplement, ETAS®, can improve memory, mood, and sleep in healthy adults aged 60 to 80 who have noticed some mild changes in their thinking. Participants will take either ETAS® or a dummy pill for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in memory, feelings of anxiety and depression, sleep quality, and gather information about their gut health. Brain scans (MRI) will also be used to look at brain structure, function, and chemistry. The aim is to understand the long-term effects of ETAS® on various aspects of health and brain function.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Reading

Enrolment target

Start

05 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Cognition Affect (Mental Function)Sleep MRI fMRI Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

What is this study about?

This research project, known as ETASCAN, is trying to understand if a special supplement called ETAS® can help improve different aspects of health in older adults. Specifically, it's focusing on people aged 60 to 80 who are otherwise healthy but have noticed some mild changes in their memory or thinking. The study wants to see if taking ETAS® over 12 weeks has any long-term effects on how we think, how we feel, and how our brains work.

Participants will be divided into two groups by chance. One group will take capsules containing ETAS®, while the other group will take capsules that look identical but contain a 'dummy' pill (placebo). Neither the participants nor the research team will know who is getting which, to ensure the results are as fair as possible. Before and after the 12 weeks, the researchers will collect a lot of information. This includes tests of memory and thinking skills, questionnaires about mood (like symptoms of depression and anxiety) and sleep quality. They'll also measure things like blood pressure, height, weight, and waist size.

An important part of this study involves special brain scans, called MRI scans, to look at the brain's structure, how it functions, and its chemical makeup. These scans help researchers see if ETAS® causes any changes in the brain itself. Additionally, some participants will be asked to provide stool samples at home, which will help the researchers understand if ETAS® affects the balance of bacteria in the gut, known as the gut microbiome, which is thought to be important for overall health. By looking at all these factors, the study aims to build a comprehensive picture of what ETAS® might do.

Key takeaways

This study investigates a supplement called ETAS® for memory, mood, and brain health.
It's for healthy adults aged 60-80 who have mild memory concerns.
Participants will take either ETAS® or a dummy pill for 12 weeks.
Assessments include memory tests, mood questionnaires, and brain MRI scans.
The study helps understand long-term effects of ETAS® on various health aspects.
Your participation could help future understanding of brain health.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 60 and 80 years old, with normal eyesight and hearing. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 30, and you should have noticed some mild memory or thinking concerns yourself.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you smoke, have certain food allergies, or follow very restrictive diets (like some vegetarian or vegan diets, or diets for weight loss). You also can't participate if you have been diagnosed with any serious mental health conditions (like schizophrenia or dementia), heart-related conditions (like type II diabetes or heart disease), or certain thyroid problems.

You also wouldn't be able to join if you're taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, certain antidepressants, or stomach acid reducers. People who regularly use probiotic supplements or have recently taken antibiotics for more than three days are also excluded. Other reasons include having significant gut conditions, having severe claustrophobia, or having any metal implants in your body (like pacemakers, joint replacements, or even metal fragments). If you have a history of epilepsy or have certain types of stimulators or an IUD, you would also not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 60 and 80 years old?
Do you have normal vision and hearing?
Have you noticed some mild changes in your memory or thinking?
Do you *not* have any metal implants in your body (apart from dental fillings)?
Are you *not* currently taking blood thinners or certain antidepressants?
Do you *not* have a history of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or epilepsy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be assigned by chance to either receive the ETAS® supplement or a dummy pill (placebo) for 12 weeks. You'll take capsules daily throughout this period. Before starting and then again after the 12 weeks, you'll have several assessments. These will include tests to check your memory and thinking skills, questionnaires about your mood and sleep, and measurements of your blood pressure, height, and weight. You will also undergo special brain scans (MRI) at both the beginning and end of the study. If you're one of the randomly selected participants, you'll also be asked to collect stool samples at home twice during the study for gut health analysis. The total duration of your active participation, including all assessments and taking the supplement, will be around 12 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

It's important to understand both the potential risks and benefits. There's no guarantee that participating in this study will directly benefit you, as the effects of ETAS® are still being investigated. However, your participation could help researchers learn more about how this supplement affects brain health, which could benefit others in the future. Potential risks are generally low, but might include minor discomfort from blood pressure checks, or feeling restless during the MRI scans. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your medical care. All information collected will be kept confidential.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Reading, School of Psychology and Clinical Languages
Verified postcode
Reading, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is ETAS®?

ETAS® is a supplement being investigated to see if it has effects on memory, mood, and overall brain health.

Will I know if I'm taking the real supplement or a dummy pill?

No, neither you nor the research team will know, to make sure the study results are fair and unbiased.

What kind of brain scans will I have?

You will have MRI scans, which use magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brain, without using X-rays.

How long will I be in the study?

Your active participation, including taking the supplement and attending assessments, will last for 12 weeks.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time for any reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Piril Hepsomali, PhD

p.hepsomali@reading.ac.uk +44 118 378 5818 Official trial record

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