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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
06:07
Screening for Phytoestrogens using a Cell-based Estrogen Receptor β Reporter Assay
Published on: June 7, 2020
Dietary phytoestrogen intake and cognitive function in older women
Sanne Kreijkamp-Kaspers1, Linda Kok, Diederick E Grobbee
1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Summary
Dietary lignan intake, a type of phytoestrogen, may support cognitive function in older women. High lignan consumption was linked to better processing speed and executive function, suggesting a potential role in healthy brain aging.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a common aspect of aging.
- Dietary phytoestrogens are plant compounds that may influence age-related cognitive changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dietary phytoestrogen intake (isoflavones and lignans) and cognitive function in older women.
- To explore the specific roles of isoflavones and lignans in different cognitive domains.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 301 Dutch women aged 60-75 years.
- Dietary intake of isoflavones and lignans assessed via food-frequency questionnaire.
- Cognitive function evaluated in memory, processing capacity/speed, and executive function domains.
- Statistical analysis using adjusted linear regression models.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between isoflavone intake and cognitive function.
- Higher lignan intake was significantly associated with better performance in processing capacity/speed (p=.01).
- Higher lignan intake was also linked to improved executive function (p=.02).
Conclusions:
- Dietary lignans show potential as a factor in maintaining cognitive function in aging women.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms of lignans in cognitive health.
- Lignans represent an understudied area within the broader category of phytoestrogens for brain health.
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