Autophagy-Enhancers to Reduce Sleep Disturbances

Summary

This clinical trial investigates the effects of spermidine supplementation on sleep quality and sleep-dependent memory consolidation in older adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), two populations at increased risk of future cognitive decline and dementia. Impaired sleep has been identified as a modifiable factor contributing to cognitive decline, and interventions targeting sleep architecture could offer therapeutic potential to prevent or slow down this decline.

Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in foods such as wheat germ and soybeans. It induces autophagy, a cellular degradation and recycling process essential for neuronal maintenance and function. In animal studies, spermidine has been shown to improve memory performance, reduce neuroinflammation, and support mitochondrial health. Preliminary findings from human trials in individuals with SCD or MCI suggest potential cognitive benefits of spermidine, but results are not unequivocal, and the impact on sleep has not been systematically evaluated.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 76 participants aged 55 to 70 years with SCD or MCI will receive either spermidine (6 mg/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Sleep will be evaluated using overnight EEG in a controlled laboratory setting, focusing on measures such as slow-wave sleep and sleep spindle activity. Memory performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized neuropsychological testing. Numerical skills will be tested at baseline only to compare SCD and MCI participants with healthy controls.

Blood samples will be collected to quantify metabolic indicators, neurodegeneration-related biomarkers, and autophagy-associated proteins. A control group of 38 cognitively healthy individuals will undergo comparable sleep and cognitive assessments without receiving any supplementation.

The primary objective of the study is to characterize the impact of spermidine on sleep-dependent memory consolidation and to identify associated biological changes relevant to aging and neurodegeneration. The results may inform the development of non-pharmacological strategies aimed at preserving cognitive function in individuals at risk for dementia.

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease
• Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Spermidine Supplementation

supplementation of 6 mg Spermidine per day across 3 doses

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Dietary Placebo

supplementation of 6 mg Placebo per day across 3 doses (placebo consists of maltodextrin, rice extract microcrystalline cellulose mixture, citric acid (anhydrous), silicon oxide (precipitated, E551))

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Department of Experimental Neuroimmunology, University Medicine

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Institute of Biology, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University Medicine Greifswald

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

55 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-10-28

Primary Completion

2028-12-31

Completion

2029-05-31

Countries

• Germany

Study Locations