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DNA Damage, Copper and Lead Associates with Cognitive Function among Older Adults
A Meramat1, N F Rajab, S Shahar
1Dr. Razinah Sharif, Programme of Nutritional Science, School of Healthcare Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia, Telephone: +603-9289-7459, Fax number: +603-2694-7621, Email address: razinah@ukm.edu.my.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|April 28, 2017
Summary
Cognitive impairment in older adults is linked to higher DNA damage and elevated levels of lead and copper. These factors increase oxidative stress, contributing to cognitive decline.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Aging Research
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Health
- Environmental Health and Toxicology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is a growing concern in aging populations worldwide.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for developing preventive strategies.
- Trace elements and DNA damage are potential, yet under-explored, contributors to cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between trace element levels, DNA damage, and cognitive impairment in Malaysian older adults.
- To determine specific risk factors contributing to cognitive decline in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 317 Malaysian adults over 60 years old.
- Cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
- Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD), DNA damage (Alkaline Comet Assay), and toenail trace element levels (ICP-MS) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Over 62% of subjects exhibited cognitive impairment.
- Cognitively impaired individuals showed significantly higher malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and DNA damage compared to those with normal cognition.
- Elevated lead and copper levels in toenails were identified as significant predictors of cognitive impairment (OR 2.471 and 1.275, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Increased oxidative stress and DNA damage are strongly associated with cognitive impairment in older adults.
- Exposure to high levels of lead and copper may contribute to cognitive decline through enhanced oxidative stress and DNA damage.
- These findings highlight the potential role of environmental trace elements in the etiology of age-related cognitive impairment.
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