Shimizu · 2026 · Frontiers in nutrition
Memory changes observed in long-term follow-up
Would long-term glucoraphanin intake change memory test results in older adults with memory decline?
Human · long-term randomized controlled pilot trial
Key findings
Memory changes observed over 42 months
In a pilot trial analyzing 25 older adults, memory scores improved more in the glucoraphanin group than in the placebo group over the full follow-up. Among 19 completers, neither the 42-month change nor transition and recovery rates between normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment showed a significant between-group difference.
Detailed results
Analysis of memory index and cognitive status
| Measures analyzed | Population analyzed | Observed value | Between-group comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPI change over the full study period | 25 participants | Greater improvement in the glucoraphanin group | p=0.012 · linear mixed model |
| MPI score at 42 months | 19 completers | Placebo 54.8 / glucoraphanin 68.0 | p=0.028 |
| Change in MPI from baseline at 42 months | 19 completers | Placebo +3.6 / glucoraphanin +13.4 | p=0.079 |
| Transition and recovery between normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment | 19 completers | Rates of change in cognitive status | No significant difference |
The 42-month scores and changes are medians. Nine placebo participants and 10 glucoraphanin participants completed the study.
Study design
A small trial enrolled 26 participants aged 63–90 at high risk of dementia. Glucoraphanin 30mg/day was compared with placebo; 25 were included in the full analysis and 19 in the 42-month completer analysis.
- Participants
- Japan · participants at risk of cognitive decline
25 analyzed / 19 completed
comparison group 9 / intake group 10 - Intake and observation
- Glucoraphanin 30mg/day
mustard powder 120mg/day
3 years 6 months · two-group comparison - Measures
- Memory Performance Index (MPI) · 42 months
Study context
This long-term pilot trial repeatedly measured the Memory Performance Index (MPI). Changes over the full follow-up and results among 42-month completers were analyzed separately.
Observed during intake: No serious adverse events related to the intervention were reported.
Original paper and sources
Efficacy of 42-month oral administration of glucoraphanin in preventing cognitive decline in individuals at elevated risk of dementia, including those with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.
- Journal
- Frontiers in nutrition · 2026 · 13: 1740494
- First published
- 2026-01-26