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Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
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Association between whole blood essential trace elements and cognitive function in older adults
Yao-Yao Lin1, Lin Meng1, Fan-Jia Guo2
1Department of Public Health, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|June 13, 2023
Summary
Essential trace elements (ETEs) like selenium are linked to better cognitive function in older adults. The study highlights the importance of considering the combined effects of these nutrients for brain health.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Essential trace elements (ETEs) are vital for nervous system function.
- Existing research on ETEs and cognitive function in older adults is limited and inconclusive.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for maintaining cognitive health in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the individual and combined associations between ETEs and cognitive function in older adults.
- To explore the dose-response relationships and identify key contributing elements.
- To provide evidence for potential nutritional strategies to support cognitive health.
Main Methods:
- Study population: 2181 older adults (average age ≥ 65) from the Yiwu cohort, China.
- Measurements: Whole blood concentrations of chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) analyzed via ICP-MS.
- Cognitive assessment: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) covering orientation, registry, attention, calculation, recall, and language.
- Statistical analysis: Linear regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR).
Main Results:
- Chromium (Cr) showed a nonlinear, inverted-U-shaped association with MMSE scores, particularly impacting registry, recall, and language.
- Increased selenium (Se) levels were positively associated with overall MMSE scores and all five cognitive domains.
- Bayesian kernel machine regression indicated a positive association between the mixture of ETEs and cognitive function, with Se being the most significant contributor.
Conclusions:
- The nonlinear relationship between Cr and cognition suggests an optimal concentration range may exist.
- The joint effect of ETEs is positively associated with cognitive function, emphasizing the importance of considering nutrient mixtures.
- Further prospective and intervention studies are needed to confirm these findings and inform clinical practice.
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