Influence of nutrition on cognitive function in a group of elderly, independently living people

Abstract

Objective: To study the differences in cognitive status with respect to food habits and energy and nutrient intake in a group of non institutionalised, elderly people. Design: Prospective study. Setting: The study subjects were independently living, elderly people who spent some of their time at day centres in the Comunidad de Madrid (the Madrid region). The study centres were selected by the Madrid City Hall. Subjects: The study included 168 elderly people aged 65-90 y. All accepted the invitation to participate, met all inclusion criteria, and were free of significant cognitive impairment. Interventions: Dietary intake was monitored using a 'food record' for 7 consecutive days including a Sunday. In addition, the 'precise individual weighing' method was used for 5 days in order to monitor the meals taken by the subjects at the centres' canteens. Cognitive capacity was measured using Folstein's mini-mental state examination (MMSE), validated for the Spanish population. Results: Subjects with an adequate cognitive capacity (MMSEZ28) showed a greater intake of total foods, fish, and alcoholic drinks, but took less foods from the 'various' group (chocolates, cakes, etc). These subjects had a more adequate intake of fatty acids and cholesterol, and a greater intake of vitamins implicated in correct brain function (thiamine, folic acid, vitamin C). Conclusions: Subjects with satisfactory intellectual function generally had a better diet. This shows the importance of correct nutrition in its maintenance.

Physiological functions should be considered as true end points of nutritional intervention studies

“…In 168 elderly subjects whose dietary intake was monitored using a food record for seven consecutive days individuals with satisfactory intellectual function (mini mental state examination >28) were generally found to have a greater intake than those with cognitive impairment (Requejo et al 2003). These findings confirm earlier data from Ortega et al (1997).…”

Correlates of regular fish consumption in French elderly community dwellers: data from the Three-City study

“…A Spanish study also showed that elderly people with preserved cognitive functions generally had a better diet, including a greater intake of fish (Requejo et al, 2003). Since there seems to be a doseresponse relationship, more research is needed to determine the optimal frequency of fish consumption associated with a lower risk of dementia and other health outcomes.…”

Effects of Folate and Vitamin B12 on Cognitive Function in Adults and the Elderly

“…This section summarizes the findings from three (retrospective and prospective) longitudinal studies [2,3] and five cross-sectional studies [4][5][6][7][8] that examined the association between the dietary intake levels of B vitamins and cognitive function or the risk of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The report included all populations for longitudinal studies, whereas only noninstitutionalized or free-living populations were included for cross-sectional studies in order to assess their "usual" dietary intake levels.…”

“…Three studies associated participants' dietary intake levels of vitamin B 12 with their cognitive function scores [3,5,8]. One additional study compared the dietary intake levels of vitamin B 12 in participants with Alzheimer's disease and in normal participants [7].…”

“…During the study, 60% of the dropouts "became ill, " as compared with 34% of the subjects who completed the study. The participants' dietary intakes were assessed by a combination of a 3-day record and weighing-back methods at baseline and at weeks 8,16, and 24, as recorded by nurses. An analysis was performed to test for associations with change in cognitive scores.…”