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Brain Lactate Metabolism and Healthy Aging Study

This study is looking at how the brain uses lactate, a type of fuel, to stay healthy as we age. Our brains usually run on glucose, but its use can decline with age, potentially leading to memory problems. Exercise helps the brain use lactate, which can make the brain's glucose use better, almost like making it younger. This study wants to see if giving people sodium lactate (a biological intervention) or having them exercise to raise their lactate levels (an "other" intervention) can have this same beneficial effect on brain metabolism. We are looking for 40 participants, aged 20 to 80, who meet specific physical activity guidelines. The main goal is to measure how the brain's metabolism changes before, during, and after these interventions.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 40 participants. It will compare the effects of sodium lactate infusion and exercise-induced hyperlactatemia.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Brain metabolism will be measured before the intervention, during the intervention when lactate is elevated, and after recovery from the intervention.

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NCT07731451

The Role of Brain Lactate Metabolism in Neuroprotection During Healthy Aging

Not Yet Recruiting
EARLY_PHASE1Ages 20–80InterventionalPrevention
Northern Arizona University
~40 participants
Updated 2026-07-28 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Sodium lactate infusionExercise-induced hyperlactatemia

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Cerebral metabolism
Measured over -Pre-intervention in rested state -During intervention when lactate is experimentally elevated -After recovery from intervention

Conditions

Aging Well
Aging

Explore related trials

Aging

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Arizona1

Who to contact

TRAVIS GIBBONS, PhD
[email protected]
17785836976
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Meet the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) physical activity guidelines for moderate-intensity aerobic activity, i.e., 150+ minutes of moderate or 75+ minutes of rigorous aerobic activity.
The older cohort must have adhered to these physical activity guidelines for 30+ years.
"Good" or "Excellent" aerobic fitness category based on ACSM standardized maximal aerobic power (V̇O2max) values for age and sex.

Exclusion

Significant carotid plaque will be excluded via ultrasound assessment.
Evidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Personal complaints of memory deficits, clinical diagnosis, or evidence from the NIH ToolBox ®V3 will be considered signs of MCI.
known allergy to Lidocaine also cannot participate.

What this trial measures

  • Cerebral metabolism-Pre-intervention in rested state -During intervention when lactate is experimentally elevated -After recovery from intervention

    Lactate, glucose and oxygen metabolism via stable isotope tracers and Fick method using arterial and internal jugular venous blood sampling in combination with cerebral blood flow via ultrasound. These will be quantified as rates in grams/minute or mililiters/minute.