Association between Iodized Salt Intake and Cognitive Function in Older Adults in China

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive decline is a significant concern in aging populations.
• Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, which plays a role in brain function.
• Dietary salt intake patterns, including iodization, may influence cognitive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between iodized salt consumption and cognitive function in adults aged 60 and older.
• To determine if this association differs between coastal and inland residents.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 10,217 participants in the Zhejiang Major Public Health Surveillance Program.
• Salt intake was categorized as iodized, non-iodized, or mixed via questionnaire.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, with adjustments for confounders using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Iodized salt intake showed an inverse association with cognitive impairment (OR, 0.410; P < 0.001) in the overall cohort.
• This protective association was significant in both coastal (OR, 0.441; P < 0.001) and inland (OR, 0.569; P < 0.001) residents.
• Mixed salt intake also suggested a protective effect in coastal residents (OR, 0.598; P = 0.010).

Conclusions:

• Iodized salt consumption may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.
• The protective effect of iodized salt appears more pronounced in coastal regions compared to inland areas.
• These findings highlight the potential public health benefits of ensuring adequate iodized salt intake for cognitive health in the elderly.