Participants
What is the goal of ACE?
The main purpose of ACE is to determine if taking Equol, a plant-based supplement, could slow the progression of stiffening of the arteries, small blood vessel disease in the brain and memory decline.
Who is able to participate in this study?
ACE is open to African-American or Caucasian Men and Women, aged 65 to 85 years old who meet the eligibility criteria.
What is involved to participate?
This study involves an initial phone call and screening visit to find out if you are eligible. We will ask you to complete 7 clinic visits over a two year period so that we can evaluate any changes.
As part of the study, we will complete several non-invasive tests like measuring your blood pressure and heart rate, height and weight, and doing tests of walking and thinking. We will collect a sample of your blood, urine and stool. If eligible after screening, participants will have more visits over 2 years and several phone calls.
Participants will be asked to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. MRI scans are not invasive and do not use radiation. We will also do an assessment of arterial stiffness and an ultrasound scan of your carotid arteries, both of which are non-invasive exams. We will ask ACE participants to be randomly assigned by a computer (by chance, like the flip of a coin) to a group that takes 10 mg Equol daily or to a group that takes a daily placebo.
You will receive results of some assessments, will be compensated for your time and, if needed, transportation can be provided at no cost.
During the pandemic we are taking extra precautions to keep you safe. We will continue to follow the CDC guidelines and ask our staff and study participants to wear masks. We can provide you with a mask if you need one.