Association between zinc deficiency and cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study evaluating the association between zinc deficiency and cognitive decline in 591 community-dwelling older adults living in the cities of Campinas, Limeira, and Piracicaba-SP. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument-CASI-S, considering a decline for scores <23 for those aged 60-69 and <20 for those aged ≥70 years. Among the evaluated cognitive domains, older adults with zinc deficiency had significantly lower mean scores on the memory test (p=0.018). For zinc deficiency, values below 70 µg/dL were considered for women and 74 µg/dL for men. The prevalence of zinc deficiency was 3.9%, and cognitive deficit was 9.4%, being significantly higher in those with zinc deficiency compared with those with normal serum zinc concentrations. In adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis, the factors that remained associated with cognitive decline were zinc deficiency (OR=3.80; 95%CI=1.30-11.12), low schooling level (OR=3.12; 95%CI=1.49-6.50), lack of a partner (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.04-3.42), risk of malnutrition (OR=3.98; 95%CI=2.36-6.71), and a history of encephalic vascular accident (OR=2.70; 95%CI=1.04-6.98). Zinc deficiency was associated with the presence of cognitive decline in older adults. Actions in primary health care are necessary to prevent the deficiency of this nutrient.

Association of antioxidants use with the risk of dementia among community-dwelling adults in the United Kingdom biobank

“…We found that zinc supplementation was associated with a lower risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, independent of demographic information, lifestyle factors, APOE4, cardiometabolic disorders, and depression. A cross-sectional analysis of 591 community-dwelling older adults found that zinc deficiency was associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive decline ( 19 ). In another cross-sectional study of 2,450 participants aged 60 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014, zinc intake was non-linearly associated with cognitive function ( 9 ).…”

“…Secondly, the results of our study do not support the establishment of causal relationships because of the observational design. Thirdly, while several cross-sectional studies have explored the potential dose–response relationship of antioxidant supplementation in relation to cognitive impairment ( 8 , 16 , 19 ), there is relatively limited information available about the link between the duration of antioxidant supplementation and cognitive impairment or dementia ( 9 , 16 ). We could not examine these associations in our study given the lack of relevant data.…”

Adherence to the EAT–Lancet Diet: Unintended Consequences for the Brain?

“…For example, previously this was associated with the decreased probability of micronutrient adequacy, including calcium, folate, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc [ 18 ]. Many of these nutrients are essential for the brain [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”

“…In addition, vegan diets, which exclude all animal products, were associated with a low intake of vitamins B 2 , niacin (B 3 ), B 12 , D, iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium, selenium, and protein [ 19 ]. This is concerning, as an inadequate intake of these nutrients was associated with poorer mood [ 20 , 21 , 22 ], cognitive functioning [ 21 , 23 , 24 ], and a predisposition towards cognitive decline [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. The adequate intake of these nutrients is particularly crucial during pregnancy to regulate neurodevelopment [ 28 ].…”