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Effects of Diet on Brain Processing

NCT02835820, Not applicable, Completed, University of Alabama at Birmingham; results first posted 2019-12-16

Trial 12

As registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, in the graph's capture of the registry.

FieldValueSource
TitleEffects of Diet on Brain ProcessingClinicalTrials.gov
NCT numberNCT02835820ClinicalTrials.gov
StatusCompletedClinicalTrials.gov
PhasesNot applicableClinicalTrials.gov
Enrollment17 participants, actualClinicalTrials.gov
Lead sponsorUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamClinicalTrials.gov
ConditionsHIV, Neurocognitive ImpairmentClinicalTrials.gov
InterventionsKetogenic DietClinicalTrials.gov
First posted2016-07-18ClinicalTrials.gov
Last updated2019-12-16ClinicalTrials.gov
Results first posted2019-12-16ClinicalTrials.gov
Limitations and caveats
Small sample size (pilot study), limited ability to monitor intervention fidelity, no reassessment until 12 weeks thus it is unclear as to when cognitive benefits emerged in persons randomized to the KD group.
ClinicalTrials.gov

Registered outcomes 20

Each outcome the trial registered, primary first, in ClinicalTrials.gov's words.

ListOutcomeTime frameDescriptionSource
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Total) at Baselinebaseline
The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test is used to measure episodic verbal learning and memory. The range of the score for the Hopkins Verbal Learning score is as follows: \> 130 superior; 120-129 high; 110-119 bright, normal; 90-109 average; 85-89 low average; 70-84 borderline mental deficit; 35-49 moderate mental deficit; 20-34 severe mental deficit; 20-25 profound mental deficit.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Total) at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to week 12
The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test is used to measure episodic verbal learning and memory. The range of the score for the Hopkins Verbal Learning score is as follows: \> 130 superior; 120-129 high; 110-119 bright, normal; 90-109 average; 85-89 low average; 70-84 borderline mental deficit; 35-49 moderate mental deficit; 20-34 severe mental deficit; 20-25 profound mental deficit.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test at 18 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to week 18
The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test is used to measure episodic verbal learning and memory. The range of the score for the Hopkins Verbal Learning score is as follows: \> 130 superior; 120-129 high; 110-119 bright, normal; 90-109 average; 85-89 low average; 70-84 borderline mental deficit; 35-49 moderate mental deficit; 20-34 severe mental deficit; 20-25 profound mental deficit.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at Baselinebaseline
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is an II test to measure intelligence and cognitive ability. The Full Scale scores are: beyond 130 place an individual in the superior or gifted range; scores between 120-129 suggest very bright; scores between 110-119 are bright normal; scores as 90-109 are average; scores of 85-89 suggest average intelligence; score of 70-84 suggests low average intelligence; score of 50 - 69 suggests borderline mental functioning; score of 50 - 69 suggests mild mental retardation; score of 35-49 suggests moderate retardation; 20 - 34 suggests severe retardation; below 20 - 25 suggests profound retardation
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 12 weeks
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is an I! test to measure intelligence and cognitive ability. The Full Scale scores are: beyond 130 place an individual in the superior or gifted range; scores between 120-129 suggest very bright; scores between 110-119 are bright normal; scores as 90-109 are average; scores of 85-89 suggest average intelligence; score of 70-84 suggests low average intelligence; score of 50 - 69 suggests borderline mental functioning; score of 50 - 69 suggests mild mental retardation; score of 35-49 suggests moderate retardation; 20 - 34 suggests severe retardation; below 20 - 25 suggests profound retardation
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at 18 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 18 weeks
The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale is an I! test to measure intelligence and cognitive ability. The Full Scale scores are: beyond 130 place an individual in the superior or gifted range; scores between 120-129 suggest very bright; scores between 110-119 are bright normal; scores as 90-109 are average; scores of 85-89 suggest average intelligence; score of 70-84 suggests low average intelligence; score of 50 - 69 suggests borderline mental functioning; score of 50 - 69 suggests mild mental retardation; score of 35-49 suggests moderate retardation; 20 - 34 suggests severe retardation; below 20 - 25 suggests profound retardation
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at Baselinebaseline
Trails A (simple) and Trails B (alternative) neuropsychological assessments provide information on cognitive processes such as visual search, scanning, speed of processing, mental flexibility, and executive functions (i.e., memory, problem solving, verbal reasoning). It is sensitive to cognitive impairment associated with dementia. The average score for trail making is 29 seconds. Scores over 78 seconds suggest a deficit.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 12 weeks
Trails A (simple) and Trails B (alternative) neuropsychological assessments provide information on cognitive processes such as visual search, scanning, speed of processing, mental flexibility, and executive functions (i.e., memory, problem solving, verbal reasoning).It is sensitive to cognitive impairment associated with dementia. The average score for trail making is 29 seconds. Scores over 78 seconds suggest a deficit.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at 18 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 18 weeks
Trails A (simple) and Trails B (alternative) neuropsychological assessments provide information on cognitive processes such as visual search, scanning, speed of processing, mental flexibility, and executive functions (i.e., memory, problem solving, verbal reasoning). It is sensitive to cognitive impairment associated with dementia. The average score for trail making is 29 seconds. Scores over 78 seconds suggest a deficit.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Stroop Test at Baselinebaseline
The score of greater than is considered normal; a score of 40 or less is considered "low" whereas a score greater than 40 is considered "normal". Stroop test is named after the instrument developer, John Stroop. The instrument title is not an acronym.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Stroop Test at 12 Weeks Post BaselineBaseline to 12 weeks
The score of greater than is considered normal; a score of 40 or less is considered "low" whereas a score greater than 40 is considered "normal". Stroop test is named after the instrument developer, John Stroop. The instrument title is not an acronym.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryNeurocognition: Mean Score of Stroop Test at 18 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 18 weeks
The STROOP measures brain damage. The score of greater than is considered normal; a score of 40 or less is considered "low" whereas a score greater than 40 is considered "normal". Stroop test is named after the instrument developer, John Stroop. The instrument title is not an acronym.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryCardiometabolic Markers: Mean Fasting Glucose Measures at BaselinebaselineA fasting blood sugar level less than 100mg/dl is normal. A fasting blood sugar level of 100- 126mg/dl is considered prediabetic. 126mg/dl or greater suggests diabetesClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryCardiometabolic Markers: Mean Fasting Glucose Measures at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 12 weeksA fasting blood sugar level less than 100mg/dl is normal. A fasting blood sugar level of 100- 126mg/dl is considered prediabetic. 126mg/dl or greater suggests diabetesClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryCardiometabolic Markers: Mean Markers of Inflammation (C-reactive Protein) Measures at Baselinebaseline
C-reactive protein (CRP) , a protein in the blood, indicates inflammation, specifically in the heart.. CRP levels rise with inflammation. A CRP concentration of below 1.0 mg/L indicates low risk; 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L suggests an average risk. Greater than 3.0 mg/L suggests a high risk.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryCardiometabolic Markers: Mean Markers of Inflammation (C-reactive Protein) Measures at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 12 weeks
C-reactive protein (CRP) , a protein in the blood, indicates inflammation, specifically in the heart.. CRP levels rise with inflammation. A CRP concentration of below 1.0 mg/L indicates low risk; 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L suggests an average risk. Greater than 3.0 mg/L suggests a high risk.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryTumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF or TNF-α)baseline
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF or TNF-α) is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in inflammatory events. Being one of the most important pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α participates in vasodilatation and edema formation, and leukocyte adhesion to epithelium through expression of adhesion molecules; it regulates blood coagulation, and also contributes to oxidative stress in sites of inflammation.
ClinicalTrials.gov
PrimaryTumor Necrosis Factor (TNF or TNF-α)baseline to week 12
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF or TNF-α) is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in inflammatory events. Being one of the most important pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α participates in vasodilatation and edema formation, and leukocyte adhesion to epithelium through expression of adhesion molecules; it regulates blood coagulation, and also contributes to oxidative stress in sites of inflammation.
ClinicalTrials.gov
SecondaryNeural Activity: Presence or Absence of Impaired Bloodflow in the Brain at Baseline as Determined by a Functional MRIbaselineFunctional MRI is used to determine blood flow in the brain. Absence of blood flow impairment will be recorded as '0' and impairment will be recorded as '1'ClinicalTrials.gov
SecondaryNeural Activity: Presence or Absence of Impaired Bloodflow in the Brain at 12 Weeks Post Baseline as Determined by a Functional MRIBaseline to 12 weeksFunctional MRI is used to determine blood flow in the brain. Absence of blood flow impairment will be recorded as '0' and impairment will be recorded as '1'ClinicalTrials.gov

Outcomes 20

Each outcome the trial posted results for, in ClinicalTrials.gov's words.

TypeOutcomeTime framePopulationUnitsMeasured asSource
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Total) at BaselinebaselineThree participants from the PCD ineligible due to baseline screen fail.score on a scaleMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Total) at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to week 12Three PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.score on a scaleMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test at 18 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to week 18Three PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.score on a scaleMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at BaselinebaselineThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.score on a scaleMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 12 weeksThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.score on a scaleMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at 18 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 18 weeksThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.score on a scaleMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at BaselinebaselineThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.Seconds to completeMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 12 weeksThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.Seconds to completeMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at 18 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 18 weeksThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.Seconds to completeMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Stroop Test at BaselinebaselineThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.Number of correctly identified itemsMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Stroop Test at 12 Weeks Post BaselineBaseline to 12 weeksThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.Number of correctly identified itemsMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYNeurocognition: Mean Score of Stroop Test at 18 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 18 weeksThree PCD participants ineligible due to baseline screen fail.Number of correctly identified itemsMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYCardiometabolic Markers: Mean Fasting Glucose Measures at BaselinebaselineThree PCD participants were ineligible due to baseline screen fail.mg/dLMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYCardiometabolic Markers: Mean Fasting Glucose Measures at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 12 weeksThree PCD participants were ineligible due to baseline screen fail.mg/dLMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYCardiometabolic Markers: Mean Markers of Inflammation (C-reactive Protein) Measures at BaselinebaselineThree PCD participants were ineligible due to baseline screen fail.mg/LMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYCardiometabolic Markers: Mean Markers of Inflammation (C-reactive Protein) Measures at 12 Weeks Post Baselinebaseline to 12 weeksThree PCD participants were ineligible due to baseline screen fail.mg/LMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYTumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF or TNF-α)baselineThree PCD participants were ineligible due to baseline screen fail.pg/mLMEANClinicalTrials.gov
PRIMARYTumor Necrosis Factor (TNF or TNF-α)baseline to week 12pg/mLMEANClinicalTrials.gov
SECONDARYNeural Activity: Presence or Absence of Impaired Bloodflow in the Brain at Baseline as Determined by a Functional MRIbaselineThose randomized to intervention group at baseline without MRI contraindicationsParticipantsCOUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTSClinicalTrials.gov
SECONDARYNeural Activity: Presence or Absence of Impaired Bloodflow in the Brain at 12 Weeks Post Baseline as Determined by a Functional MRIBaseline to 12 weeksIntervention group as randomized.ParticipantsCOUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTSClinicalTrials.gov

Results by group 40

Each measurement the trial posted, group by group, in the words and numbers it posted.

OutcomeGroupCategoryValueSpreadUnitsSource
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Total) at BaselineKetogenic Diet Group29.4Standard Deviation 9.8score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Total) at BaselineParticipant Choice Diet31.1Standard Deviation 8.6score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Total) at 12 Weeks Post BaselineKetogenic Diet Group35.3Standard Deviation 9.6score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (Total) at 12 Weeks Post BaselineParticipant Choice Diet34.9Standard Deviation 12.6score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test at 18 Weeks Post BaselineKetogenic Diet Group39.6Standard Deviation 9.1score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test at 18 Weeks Post BaselineParticipant Choice Diet36.6Standard Deviation 11.7score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at BaselineKetogenic Diet Group46.1Standard Deviation 9.3score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at BaselineParticipant Choice Diet46.0Standard Deviation 7.5score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at 12 Weeks Post BaselineKetogenic Diet Group46.7Standard Deviation 8.1score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at 12 Weeks Post BaselineParticipant Choice Diet46.1Standard Deviation 9.5score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at 18 Weeks Post BaselineKetogenic Diet Group52.0Standard Deviation 10.8score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale at 18 Weeks Post BaselineParticipant Choice Diet44.7Standard Deviation 10.2score on a scaleClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at BaselineKetogenic Diet Group41.6Standard Deviation 17.0Seconds to completeClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at BaselineParticipant Choice Diet50.0Standard Deviation 7.7Seconds to completeClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at 12 Weeks Post BaselineKetogenic Diet Group44.6Standard Deviation 17.6Seconds to completeClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at 12 Weeks Post BaselineParticipant Choice Diet44.3Standard Deviation 8.3Seconds to completeClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at 18 Weeks Post BaselineKetogenic Diet Group40.1Standard Deviation 16.2Seconds to completeClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Trail Making A and B at 18 Weeks Post BaselineParticipant Choice Diet44.1Standard Deviation 11.9Seconds to completeClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Stroop Test at BaselineKetogenic Diet Group36.3Standard Deviation 6.8Number of correctly identified itemsClinicalTrials.gov
Neurocognition: Mean Score of Stroop Test at BaselineParticipant Choice Diet36.0Standard Deviation 6.0Number of correctly identified itemsClinicalTrials.gov

Participant flow 8

How many started, completed or left each group, period by period.

PeriodMilestoneGroupParticipantsUnits countedSource
Overall StudySTARTEDKetogenic Diet Group7ClinicalTrials.gov
Overall StudySTARTEDParticipant Choice Diet10ClinicalTrials.gov
Overall StudyBaseline Screen (OGTT)Ketogenic Diet Group7ClinicalTrials.gov
Overall StudyBaseline Screen (OGTT)Participant Choice Diet7ClinicalTrials.gov
Overall StudyCOMPLETEDKetogenic Diet Group7ClinicalTrials.gov
Overall StudyCOMPLETEDParticipant Choice Diet7ClinicalTrials.gov
Overall StudyNOT COMPLETEDKetogenic Diet Group0ClinicalTrials.gov
Overall StudyNOT COMPLETEDParticipant Choice Diet3ClinicalTrials.gov

Adverse events 2

Each adverse event the trial posted, group by group: the participants affected out of those at risk.

TypeEventOrgan systemGroupAffectedAt riskEventsSource
otherHospitalizationRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disordersKetogenic Diet Group171ClinicalTrials.gov
otherHospitalizationRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disordersParticipant Choice Diet070ClinicalTrials.gov

Adverse event totals 6

The totals the trial posted for each group.

TotalGroupAffectedAt riskSource
Total, all-cause mortalityKetogenic Diet Group07ClinicalTrials.gov
Total, all-cause mortalityParticipant Choice Diet07ClinicalTrials.gov
Total, other adverse eventsKetogenic Diet Group17ClinicalTrials.gov
Total, other adverse eventsParticipant Choice Diet07ClinicalTrials.gov
Total, serious adverse eventsKetogenic Diet Group07ClinicalTrials.gov
Total, serious adverse eventsParticipant Choice Diet07ClinicalTrials.gov

Papers 1

The papers the trial lists on ClinicalTrials.gov.

PMIDListed asSource
31725105DERIVEDPubMed

Grants 0

The grants NIH RePORTER links to the trial, newest funded first: NIH's, and some of AHRQ's, CDC's, FDA's and VA's. Each shows its title, principal investigators, organization and funder in its newest year.

ProjectTitlePrincipal investigatorsOrganizationFunderFiscal yearsSource

Trial comparisons 2

Comparisons of the trial's two groups, calculated by ConductScience from the counts it posted.

ComparisonSource
Ketogenic Diet Group vs Participant Choice Diet: deaths from any causeTrial comparisons
Ketogenic Diet Group vs Participant Choice Diet: serious adverse eventsTrial comparisons

Tests 4

The ConductCognition tests this trial's registered outcomes name, as ScienceGraph matched them in trial-tests-2026-11-12-0.2.1.

TestNamed asSource
Stroop Color-Word TestPrimary outcomeConductCognition
Trail Making Test APrimary outcomeConductCognition
Trail Making Test BPrimary outcomeConductCognition
Verbal LearningPrimary outcomeConductCognition

Source 5

FieldValueSource
Releasetrials-2026-11-12-0.4.0ClinicalTrials.gov
Release manifest SHA-2560f4a8d8c48aee2a7573ae0fa94ecbeab70c1adbe449bbc95c424bc7d3e97b9d4ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry capture2026-11-12ClinicalTrials.gov
Results copy, AACT2026-03-23ClinicalTrials.gov
NIH clinical studies file2026-11-13ClinicalTrials.gov

The same record as JSON

Release trials-2026-11-12-0.4.0

ClinicalTrials.gov's posted results, through CTTI's AACT: ClinicalTrials.gov data via Aggregate Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov (AACT), CTTI. CTTI makes its materials freely available and requests acknowledgement. https://aact.ctti-clinicaltrials.org/documentation/299 ClinicalTrials.gov's data carry an international copyright outside the United States: https://clinicaltrials.gov/about-site/terms-conditions.

ClinicalTrials.gov: none stated ClinicalTrials.gov's data carry an international copyright outside the United States: https://clinicaltrials.gov/about-site/terms-conditions.

NIH RePORTER's clinical studies and project files: Public domain (NIH RePORTER)