STUDY BACKGROUND
A small pilot study of Qualia Life—originally branded as Eternus—was conducted during the winter months of 2019-20. Functional testing was done using the AgeMeter® device and software. Prior to starting the initial tests, each participant was provided instructions on using the AgeMeter, and given practice sessions. After completing a baseline assessment, participants were supplied with Qualia Life and instructed to take eight capsules daily, between about 7-9 am with a glass of water for five days, followed by two days where no capsules would be taken. Qualia Life supplementation was taken following this regimen pattern throughout the study period. Participants returned to the Qualia office to retake AgeMeter testing after 4 and 8 weeks of supplementation.
THE RESULTS
The results suggest that supplementation with Qualia Life may support healthy cognitive and physiological functional performance in several areas typically associated with advanced age.
Some Important Changes in AgeMeter Test After 8 Weeks Were:
- 25% positive changes in working memory* (p = 0.04; effect size = 0.4)
- 9% positive changes in highest tone heard* (p = 0.01; effect size = 0.4)
- 13% positive changes in speed of response to sounds* (p = 0.02; effect size = -0.85)
- 14% positive changes in speed of acting on a decision* (p = 0.11; effect size = -0.53)
Fourteen individuals—9 males and 5 females with ages ranging from 39 to 74 years old—completed AgeMeter testing after taking Qualia Life for 8 weeks. Mean results for the group are shown in the summary table.\
Summary Table: Percent Change From Baseline After 8 Weeks of Qualia Life
Disclaimer: Several factors should be kept in mind when interpreting the results. The study contained a small number of participants and was not placebo-controlled. While Qualia is encouraged by the results of this small preliminary study, further controlled, larger studies will be required to verify the findings.
DISCUSSION
Chronological age is based on how long a person has been alive. Because it is solely determined by the passing of time, all individuals age at the same chronological rate. But everyone does not experience the passage of time equally. It’s been proposed that measuring biological markers (i.e., biological age) or ability to perform functional tasks (i.e., functional age) may better reflect one's position in the aging process.
To better understand possible healthy aging benefits of Qualia Life, Qualia conducted an eight-week in-house pilot study measuring the ability to perform healthy cognitive and physiological functional tasks. Statistically significant changes were noted in several areas of performance after eight weeks of supplementation with Qualia Life.
The human hearing range (i.e., the frequencies the ears detect) is about 20 to 20,000 Hz. A gradual and progressive decline in the ability to hear tones with higher frequencies occurs starting early in life. This is considered normal. The results suggest that Qualia Life may promote rejuvenation of for the auditory system, supporting the optimal capability to detect higher frequency sounds.
The AgeMeter short term memory test is an assessment of working memory—working memory is among the cognitive functions most sensitive to regimen. The positive changes in working memory detected suggests that Qualia Life may have had a nootropic benefit. Since stress is known to impair working memory, it’s also possible that some of the change may be related to an enhanced capability to manage stress—Qualia Life contains adaptogens and nutrients that support a healthier stress response.*
The auditory reaction time test measures how quickly participants can respond to a sound. The ability to respond to auditory, and other stimuli, is impacted by concentration and focus (i.e., it is slower if we are distracted) and age—reaction speeds gradually slow with advancing age. The faster auditory reaction time suggests a benefit to focus, and possibly some degree of rejuvenative benefits to the nervous system. While several other tasks that measure processing and neuromuscular speed showed positive changes, results on changes in these other tasks were not statistically significant.
Several factors should be kept in mind when interpreting the results. The study contained a small number of participants and was not placebo-controlled. While Qualia is encouraged by the results of this small preliminary study, further controlled, larger studies will be required to verify the findings.
Note: The mean changes for the group of participants are reported; however, some individuals experienced smaller, and others larger changes, so the results are not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.
About AGEMETER®
This study was conducted using AgeMeter®. AgeMeter is a device and software application designed to measure performance on cognitive and physiological tests, which can be used to predict functional age. Agemeter tests include memory, reactions, hearing, agility, and decision speed. More information on AgeMeter can be found at www.agemeter.com.
