Glutathione in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Elderly humans have an increased risk of dementia which begins as mild defects in memory called mild cognitive impairment. Glutathione (GSH), a key endogenous antioxidant has been linked to cognition. This exploratory study will investigate mechanisms linked to GSH for cognitive impairment (and improvement) by studying humans with mild cognitive impairment who will be evaluated 12-weeks after receiving either N-acetylcysteine and glycine (GSH precursors), or receiving alanine, and a further 12-weeks after stopping these supplements.

Inclusion Criteria at study entry: (1) Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment Exclusion Criteria at study entry: (1) hospitalization within past 3 months; (2) known diabetes; (3) creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 mg/dL; (4) hemoglobin concentration less than 11 g/dL; (5) known liver disease, or AST/ALT greater than or equal to 2x ULN; (6) history of stroke, brain tumor, or active heart failure; (7) history of psychiatric disorders; (8) untreated depression.