A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Study Investigating the Efficacy of a Whole Coffee Cherry Extract and Phosphatidylserine Formulation on Cognitive Performance of Healthy Adults with Self-Perceived Memory Problems

Abstract

Introduction: Cognition refers to brain functions including memory, learning, and thought processing and is increasingly important to individuals. However, impairment of cognitive function is a concern among North American adults. Therefore, effective and reliable treatments are needed.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of 42 days of Neuriva® supplementation, a whole coffee cherry extract and phosphatidylserine supplement, on memory, accuracy, focus and concentration and learning among 138 healthy adults (40-65 years) with self-reported memory problems. Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) tasks, the Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ), and Go/No-Go tests were assessed at baseline and day 42.

Results: As compared to placebo, Neuriva® supplementation elicited greater improvements at day 42 in numeric working memory COMPASS task accuracy outcomes (p ≤ 0.024) which assessed memory, accuracy, and focus and concentration, and reaction time outcomes (p ≤ 0.031) which assessed memory as well as focus and concentration. Neuriva® supplementation improved overall accuracy (p = 0.035) in the picture recognition task that assessed memory, accuracy, and learning compared to placebo. No significant differences between groups were observed for BDNF, the EMQ, or Go/No-Go tests.

Conclusion: Results suggest 42 days of Neuriva® supplementation was safe, well tolerated, and beneficial in improving memory, accuracy, focus and concentration, and learning in a healthy adult population with self-reported memory problems.

Keywords: Cognition; Dietary supplement; Memory; Nutraceutical.

Fig. 1

Mapping of COMPASS tasks to cognitive domains

Fig. 2

Disposition of study participants

Fig. 3

Numeric working memory change in scores for (i) overall accuracy (%; p = 0.024), (ii) “yes” accuracy (%; p = 0.01), (iii) reaction time for correct responses (ms; p = 0.031), and (iv) “yes” reaction time (ms; p = 0.016) from baseline at day 42 for Neuriva® and placebo in the PP population (n = 128). Memory, accuracy, focus and concentration were assessed by (i) and (ii), and memory and focus and concentration were assessed by (iii) and (iv). All values presented are mean ± SEM. Between group differences were compared using a two-sample t test with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Asterisk indicates a statistically significant difference between Neuriva® and placebo

Fig. 4

Picture recognition change in scores for overall accuracy (%; p = 0.035) from baseline at day 42 for Neuriva® and placebo in the PP population (n = 128). Memory, accuracy, and learning were assessed by overall accuracy by the picture recognition task. All values presented are mean ± SEM. Between group changes were compared using a two-sample t test with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Asterisk indicates a statistically significant difference between Neuriva® and placebo