🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-08-04

Effect of Walnuts on Cognitive Function and Gut Microbiome in Older Adults (NCT06942351)

🔵 Active, Not Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 📋 Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: Oregon State University

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of daily consumption of walnuts for 12 weeks on cognitive function, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, and the gut microbiome in healthy adults age 55 years and older.

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (11 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (29 items).

Location: Oregon State University — Corvallis, Oregon

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Consumption of walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts combined greater than 2 oz / week in the past 3 months.
  • Use of oral antibiotics in the past month
  • Regular use of oral anti-inflammatory medications in the past month
  • Nut, wheat, or gluten allergy/intolerance
  • Pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period
  • Weighs less than 110 pounds
  • Diagnosis of sickle cell disease
  • Susceptibility to motion sickness
  • Consumes 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily
  • History of smoking tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaporizers in the past 2 years (smokeless tobacco use not exclusionary)
  • Use of psilocybin or cannabis products (including CBD-only products) in the past 2 years

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • Oregon State University — Corvallis, Oregon

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗