Participants requested to take part in health supplement research

University of Manchester researchers are examining if Folinic acid can improve cognitive health (mental abilities) and they are looking for individuals to take part in the study. 

Participation would involve completing a series of cognitive tests and a questionnaire online, which are used to determine your baseline cognitive health. Additionally, some participants will be randomly selected to come into an EEG lab for two EEG tests (non-invasive brain scan). They will be asking for a valid NHS Covid Pass indicating that you are fully vaccinated to be presented and PPE to be worn to enter the lab. Following the initial tests, you would be asked to take a 1ml drop of Folinic acid or multivitamin daily for 28 days. Once the 28 days are complete you will be asked to complete further cognitive tests, and the questionnaire to indicate any changes. 

The participants that were selected for EEG testing would be asked to return to the lab to repeat the tests they completed at the beginning of the study. In total online-only participants will be asked to commit up to 4 hours and 30 minutes across the month, and participants asked to complete the additional EEG sessions will be asked to commit 6 hours and 30 minutes across the month. Experience with computers is not required to take part in the study because the tests involve simple point and click actions combined with instructions beforehand. However, access to a computer or tablet and microphone (earphone microphones are suitable) will be required. 

Please ensure that you meet all of the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria: 

Inclusion Criteria 
• 45 years old, or older. 
• Fluent English speaker. 
• Normal or corrected to normal vision (cannot use contact lenses). 
• Right Handed. 

Exclusion Criteria 

• Diagnosis of any disorder affecting the brain (eg. Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Epilepsy, Depression, Parkinson’s). 
• Any reading impairment (eg. dyslexia). 
• Hearing that relies on hearing aids. 
(Note: you will be screened to determine if it is safe for you to receive the Folinic acid or multivitamin prior to joining the study). 

If you are interested in participating or finding out more information please reach out to Mark Holmes by emailing mark.holmes-2@student.manchester.ac.uk who can provide further information and answer any questions you may have.