CoQ10 and Cognition a Review and Study Protocol for a 90-Day Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Cognitive Effects of Ubiquinol in the Healthy Elderly

Abstract

Introduction : With an aging population there is an important need for the development of effective treatments for the amelioration of cognitive decline. Multiple mechanisms underlie age-related cognitive decline including cerebrovascular disease, oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant capacity and mitochondrial dysfunction. CoQ 10 is a novel treatment which has the potential to improve brain function in healthy elderly populations due to established beneficial effects on mitochondrial function, vascular function and oxidative stress. Methods and Analysis : We describe the protocol for a 90-day randomized controlled trial which examines the efficacy of Ubiquinol (200 mg/day) vs. placebo for the amelioration of cognitive decline in a healthy (non-demented) elderly sample, aged 60 years and over. The primary outcome is the effect of Ubiquinol at 90 days compared to baseline on CogTrack composite measures of cognition. Additional cognitive measures, as well as measures of cardiovascular function, oxidative stress, liver function and mood will also be monitored across 30-, 60- and 90- day time points. Data analyses will involve repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Discussion : This study will be the first of its kind to provide important clinical and mechanistic data regarding the efficacy of Ubiquinol as a treatment for age-related cognitive decline in the healthy elderly with important implications for productivity and quality of life within this age group. Clinical Trial Registration : The trial has been registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTRN12618001841268).

Ubiquinol-10 Intake Is Effective in Relieving Mild Fatigue in Healthy Individuals

“…The 150-mg group showed consistency at −0.14 s after 4 weeks, −0.13 s after 8 weeks, and −0.14 s after 12 weeks, suggesting improvement and maintenance of cognitive functions. Previous studies have also reported improvements in cognitive function following ubiquinol intake in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome [ 5 ] as well as in individuals of an advanced age [ 56 ].…”

Mitochondrial Functioning and the Relations among Health, Cognition, and Aging: Where Cell Biology Meets Cognitive Science

“…Interventions that restore glucose homeostasis and reduce inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction may improve cognitive functioning. The interventions range from substantive weight loss to insulin administration to pharmaceutical reductions in oxidative stress to vigorous exercise [ 89 , 96 , 97 , 98 ]. These interventions can be helpful, but individuals differ in their responsiveness for reasons that are not fully understood.…”

Aging-Related Disorders and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Critical Review for Prospect Mitoprotective Strategies Based on Mitochondrial Nutrient Mixtures

“…A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial on 73 CFS patients showed that administration of CoQ10 (200 mg/day) plus NADH (20 mg/day) conferred benefits on fatigue and biochemical parameters [ 58 ]. The on-going trial by Stough et al [ 59 ] is investigating the effects of CoQ10 administration on cognitive and cardiovascular function, and on OS in elderly subjects.…”

“…Alzheimer disease ALA + ω-3 fatty acids Improved mental and cognitive state [55] Glaucoma ALA Decreased retinal ganglion cell death and dysfunction [56] Multiple sclerosis CoQ10 Improved inflammatory markers [57] Elderly rapid muscle fatigue CARN Reduction in total fat mass, increase in total muscle mass, and favorable effects on fatigue and serum lipids [58] Age-related cognitive decline CoQ10 On-going study of cardiovascular function, oxidative stress, liver function, and mood [59] Fibromyalgia CoQ10 Significant improvement in clinical and headache symptoms [60] Among trials conducted in patients with CVD, CoQ10 was tested alone or with antioxidant supplements [45][46][47][48][49] and beneficial effects included decreased fibrosis, morbidity, and mortality, as well as decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with improved left ventricular function and quality of life. A clinical trial conducted in CVD patients by McMackin et al [18], testing a combination of ALA and acetyl-CARN, reported a significant improvement of blood pressure and vascular tone.…”