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Combination of antioxidant supplements improved cognitive function in the elderly.
Fumihiko Yasuno1, Satoshi Tanimukai, Megumi Sasaki
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan. ejm86rp@yahoo.co.jp
Journal of Alzheimer'S Disease : JAD
|August 14, 2012
Summary
This study found that a combination of antioxidants, including n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), lycopene, and Ginkgo biloba extracts (GE), improved cognitive function in elderly individuals over three years.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nutritional Neuroscience
- Investigating the impact of antioxidants on cognitive aging.
Background:
- Epidemiological studies on antioxidants and cognitive decline have yielded inconsistent results.
- Previous research suggests potential preventive effects of antioxidants on cognitive decline in animal models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a combined antioxidant supplement in enhancing cognitive function in older adults.
- To examine the influence of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on the cognitive benefits of antioxidant supplementation.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year longitudinal study involving community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and older.
- Supplementation group received n-3 PUFA, lycopene, and Ginkgo biloba extracts (GE).
- Control group (n=622) did not receive supplements; comparison of cognitive changes over time.
Main Results:
- Combined antioxidant supplementation significantly improved cognitive function in the elderly after 3 years.
- Cognitive improvements were observed in both APOE4 non-carrier (E4-) and APOE4 carrier (E4+) groups.
- A particularly large effect size for cognitive improvement was noted in the APOE4 carrier group.
Conclusions:
- A combination of antioxidants can effectively improve cognitive function in aging populations.
- Synergistic antioxidant effects from combined supplements contribute to cognitive enhancement.
- Antioxidant supplementation shows promise for supporting cognitive health across different APOE genotypes.
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