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New Findings on Nutrients & Mental Function

Diet, Exercise Help Preserve Brain Function

Cognition refers to our ability to process, retrieve and apply information. Cognitive skills are those that people use every day such as memory, learning, reasoning, and decision-making. Though a gradual decline in cognitive function occurs naturally as we grow older, evidence indicates that staying physically active and getting a good supply of essential nutrients are both critical factors in staying mentally sharp.

Studies, for example, have shown that older adults who maintain their level of physical activity with age can slow down their rate of cognitive decline, and that low blood levels of vitamins B12 and folic acid can compromise brain function. Now, preliminary findings from several new studies suggest a potential role for omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and flavonoids in helping to counter age-related cognitive impairment.

Omega-3 Boosts Memory for Healthy Adults

The results from two studies were presented in July at the Alzheimer's Association 2009 International Conference in Vienna. One of the studies, which examined the effects of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA in healthy older people with age-related memory complaints, reported improved memory function and heart health.

Nearly 500 people took part in this double-blind, 6 month, multi-site trial. Compared to those receiving a placebo, participants taking supplemental DHA had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance (1). In addition, the researchers noted a decrease in heart rate in the DHA group, while blood pressure and weight did not change.

In contrast to the improvements observed in healthy older individuals, a second study presented at the Conference found that DHA did not benefit mental function in patients with Alzheimer's compared to those getting a placebo (2). The investigators did, however, observe a slower rate of decline on a sub-group of people who carried a gene (the e4 version of ApoE gene) that increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's but doesn't affect progression of the disease. Though more research is needed, it may be that nutritional interventions must occur very early in the disease to make any real difference.

Vitamin D & Mental Function in Older Men

Several recent studies have linked low blood levels of vitamin D with reduced cognitive abilities in older adults. Newly reported results from the European Male Aging Study are in agreement with these previous findings (3). In this study, over 3000 men age 40-79 underwent evaluation of their cognitive skills and vitamin D status.

Lower blood concentrations of vitamin D were associated with poorer performance on a test that measures how fast information is processed and visual short-term memory. This observation underscores the need for health professionals to routinely test blood levels of vitamin D, especially in older people.

Wine, Chocolate & Tea for Better Cognition?

Foods like fruits, wine, tea and chocolate are high in polyphenols, particularly flavonoid compounds. Intakes of flavonoids have been linked to a lower risk for age-related cognitive decline and dementia. In a newly published study (4), about 2000 men and women took a battery of tests evaluating learning, memory, attention, and verbal fluency. Their intake of wine, chocolate and tea was also determined.

Performance on the cognitive tests was higher in people consuming up to 10 grams per day of chocolate (typically less than of a chocolate bar) and 2-3 ounces of wine, with the effects stronger for wine consumption. Importantly, the effects were most pronounced for people consuming all three foods.

References

1. Yurko-Mauro K, et al. Results of the MIDAS Trial: Effects of docosahexaenoic acid on physiological and safety parameters in age-related cognitive decline. Alzheimer's Assoc 2009 Inter Conf Presentation #01-04-01, July 2009.
2. Quinn JF, et al. A clinical trial of docosahexaenoic acid for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Assoc 2009 Inter Conf Presentation #01-04-02, July 2009.
3. Lee DM, et al. Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older European men. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 80:722-9, 2009.
4. Nurk E, et al. Intake of flavonoid-rich wine, tea, and chocolate by elderly men and women is association with better cognitive test performance. J Nutr 139:120-7, 2009.