Dietary nutrient intake and cognitive function in the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2

IntroductionThe objective was to analyze associations between dietary intake of multiple nutrients and altered cognitive function and/or decline. MethodsObservational analyses of participants (n = 6334) in two randomized trials of nutritional supplements for age-related macular degeneration: Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2. ResultsIn AREDS, for 4 of 38 nutrients examined, higher intake quintiles were significantly associated with decreased risk of cognitive impairment on the Modified Mini-Mental State test (<80): beta-carotene, copper, docosahexaenoic acid, and insoluble fiber. In AREDS2, for 13 of 44 nutrients, higher intake quintiles were associated with decreased risk on the Telephone Interview Cognitive Status-Modified (<30). Rate of cognitive decline over up to 10 years was not significantly different with higher intake of any nutrient. DiscussionHigher dietary intake of multiple nutrients, including specific vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, fatty acids, and fiber, was associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment but not slower decline in cognitive function.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of various nutrients and cognitive function alteration or decline. The observational analyses included 6334 participants from two randomized trials. Results showed that higher intake of specific nutrients, including beta-carotene, copper, docosahexaenoic acid, and insoluble fiber, was associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment. However, higher nutrient intake did not significantly slow down the decline in cognitive function over up to 10 years.