Evaluation of the Impact of Medium-chain Fatty Acids in the Evolution of Newly Diagnosed Mild Cognitive Impairment

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 85 years;

• Diagnosis of MCI;

• Disease duration of less than 24 months from symptom onset;

• Absence of malnutrition (diagnosed according to the NRS 2002 screening test) andwith oral intakes sufficient to cover energy requirements (calculated by theHarris-Benedict formula, adjusted for activity factor and pathology);

• Ability to understand and sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients on total or supplemental enteral nutrition

• Severe dysphagia

• Patients with glycated hemoglobin > 8%

• Patients on insulin therapy

• Patients with poor beta-cell function (e.g., pancreasectomy, acute and chronicpancreatitis)

• Patients with liver failure: MELD score > 9

• Malnutrition (diagnosed according to the NRS 2002 screening test) and with per osintakes < 60% of energy requirements (calculated using the Harris-Benedict formula,corrected for activity factor and pathology)

• Metabolic disorders and/or enzyme disorders, dyslipidemia with total cholesterolemia >300 mg/dl and/or triglyceridemia >400 mg/dl)

• Acute inflammatory disease or ongoing or recent (within 30 days) infectious states

• Hypo- and hyperthyroidism not adequately compensated by treatment

• Heart failure (NYHA III-IV), unstable angina, recent (<6 months) acutecardiovascular or cerebrovascular events

• Pregnancy or lactation

• Neurological disorders other than MCI, psychiatric disorders

• Nutrition and eating disorder

• Alcohol abuse

• Institutionalized patients

• Participation in experimental therapies in the 2 months prior to enrollment

• Allergy to MCT oil, nuts