The purpose of this study is to better understand how behavioral support and probiotic supplements may help older adults reduce alcohol consumption while improving cognition, brain metabolism, and gut health.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 65-84
• Interested in reducing alcohol consumption
• If male, drink 14+ drinks per week
• If female, drink 7+ drinks per week
• Live in Florida
• No substance use disorder diagnosis other than alcohol use disorder
• No neurodegenerative disease diagnosis (e.g., Alzheimer’s, dementia, MCI, Parkinson’s, ALS)
• No type 1 or type 2 diabetes diagnosis
• Able to undergo an MRI (e.g., no metal in the body, claustrophobia)
• Able to attend 2 in-person visits at The University of Miami
• Willing to provide urine, blood and stool samples
• Willing to take daily probiotics for 30 days

• Participants will take part in the study for 30 days and complete 2 in-person visits at the University of Miami Medical campus.

  During each visit, participants will:

  • Fast overnight for 12 hours before arriving
  • Provide blood and urine samples
  • Complete a safe, non-contrast brain MRI scan
  • Take part in questionnaires and thinking tasks

  At the first visit, participants will also:

  • Complete a 30-minute motivational interview
  • Receive a probiotic supplement to take daily for 30 days
  • Be asked to provide stool samples during the study period

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.