Research Centre: Adelaide University
Location: Clinical Research Facility, Level 4, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, Corner North on North Tce and George St., Adelaide, SA 5005.
Principal Investigator: Professor Karen Jones
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) Research Ethics Committee and Adelaide University.

Feeling unsteady or faint after meals? For many older adults, a sudden drop in blood pressure after eating, known as postprandial hypotension, can lead to dizziness, fainting, or even falls. Researchers at Adelaide University are exploring whether a widely used medication could help prevent these drops by slowing how quickly the stomach empties food. This study could open the door to safer, more effective ways to support health and independence in older age.

If you’re 65–85 years old, in good health, and do not have diabetes, you may be able to take part in this important research. Participation involves a 13-week study at our Clinical Research Facility at the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building, including weekly visits and health checks. By volunteering, you’ll be contributing to research that may improve care for countless older Australians in the future.

Sign up today to make a difference!

• Participants will contribute to potentially improving treatment for postprandial hypotension
• Participants will be contributing valuable information about a medication, with the potential to reduce a fall in blood pressure after a meal, often experienced in older people.
• Participants will receive up to $500 as an honorarium for the time spent participating in this study.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.
• Participants will be part of a study led by a globally recognised research team, committed to making a real-world impact.

• You will receive a detailed outline of the study, including treatment, risks, and procedures, and you will be given the chance to ask study staff questions before you decide whether to participate.
• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Live in South Australia
• Are male or female
• Are aged 65–85 years old
• Have a BMI between 25–40 kg/m²
• Are able and willing to:
  • Attend weekly visits at the Clinical Research Facility for 13 weeks
  • Complete all required study procedures

You are not eligible to participate if you:

• Have been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Have liver disease, heart disease, pancreatitis, a history of stomach surgery, or gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)
• Have been diagnosed and/or treated for cancer (other than basal cell skin carcinoma (BCC) or cancer of the cervix) in the last 5 years.
• Must not be currently taking a prescribed weight-loss medication

Adelaide University
The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia combine their strengths to form Adelaide University — a new member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities—stands tall among the world’s leading institutions of learning and innovation.
Based at Adelaide University, the Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Translating Nutritional Science to Good Health was established in 2012.
The CRE seeks to encourage and promote clinical research in the area of nutritional physiology.

Our investigators, with backgrounds in endocrinology, gastroenterology, nutritional science, nuclear medicine, physiology, epidemiology and nursing, bring unique technical skills, unparalleled in this country, and a sustained record of productivity in clinical nutritional research, attested to by a high international profile, substantial impact on clinical practice, and the capacity to communicate a healthy nutrition philosophy to the public.

The study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details include:

• Participants will first attend a screening visit (approximately 4 hours) to review medical history, measure height and weight, complete questionnaires, undergo blood tests, and have their blood pressure measured after consuming a sweet drink.
• If eligible, participants will attend a longer study visit (approximately 5 hours) to assess stomach emptying, blood sugar levels, gut hormone responses, and blood pressure after consuming a sweet drink. This visit will take place just before receiving the first dose of either placebo or study medication.
• Participants will then attend weekly clinic visits for the following 11 weeks (approximately 30 minutes each) to receive further doses of either placebo or study medication.
• Within 2 to 5 days after the final dose, participants will return for a final longer study visit (approximately 5 hours) to repeat the same tests performed on the first longer study visit.
• A follow-up phone call will be conducted four weeks after the final visit to check on participants’ well-being and monitor any side effects.