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Neuronal Biomarkers and Micronutrient Status in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Vineela Vepakomma1, Basanth Geereddy2, Saanvi S Singireddy1
1Department of Biochemistry, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, India.
Background:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate state between normal cognitive ageing and dementia. Given the increasing dementia burden in the country, there is a critical need for early detection through the assessment of MCI. However, studies that comprehensively examined the associations between micronutrients, neuronal markers, and cognitive impairment are scarce.
Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 184 adults aged 55-85 years in Hyderabad between January 2024 and March 2025. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, nutritional, and neuronal biomarkers were estimated. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool.
Results:
The study reported an MCI prevalence of 36.4% among older adults, significantly associated with higher HbA1c and systolic blood pressure, and elevated neuronal markers such as β-Amyloid, T tau, and Nfl. Vitamin D, B1, B2, B6, and B9 levels were significantly lower in the MCI group, with a higher burden of deficiency. Higher vitamin levels were correlated with better MoCA scores and a lower predicted probability of MCI, especially vitamins D and B6. In particular, B2 and B6 have shown associations with BDNF, tau, and Nfl markers.
Conclusions:
Lower levels of circulatory vitamins were significantly associated with a higher probability of MCI. Also, neuronal biomarkers were significantly associated with micronutrient deficiencies. These findings suggest that micronutrient deficiencies may be associated with MCI in older adults, highlighting the potential importance of maintaining adequate micronutrient status to support healthy cognitive aging and possibly reduce the risk of dementia. However, given the cross-sectional design of the present study, causal relationships cannot be established. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to validate these associations and further clarify the temporal relationship between micronutrient status and cognitive decline.
Insights
Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly low vitamin levels, are linked to a higher likelihood of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults. Maintaining adequate vitamin status may support cognitive health and potentially reduce dementia risk.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nutritional Neuroscience
- Neurology and Public Health
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a critical intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia.
- Early detection of MCI is vital due to the growing dementia burden.
- Research on the interplay between micronutrients, neuronal markers, and cognitive impairment is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between micronutrient status, neuronal biomarkers, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults.
- To assess the prevalence of MCI in a community-based sample.
- To explore the relationship between specific vitamins and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 184 adults aged 55-85 years was conducted.
- Data collected included sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, nutritional, and neuronal biomarkers.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of MCI was 36.4%, associated with higher HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, and elevated neuronal markers (β-Amyloid, T tau, Nfl).
- Individuals with MCI exhibited significantly lower levels of Vitamins D, B1, B2, B6, and B9, indicating a higher deficiency burden.
- Higher vitamin levels, especially D and B6, correlated with better MoCA scores and reduced MCI probability; B2 and B6 showed links with BDNF, tau, and Nfl.
Conclusions:
- Lower circulatory vitamin levels are significantly associated with an increased probability of MCI in older adults.
- Micronutrient deficiencies correlate with elevated neuronal biomarkers, suggesting a potential role in cognitive decline.
- Maintaining adequate micronutrient status may be important for cognitive aging and potentially reducing dementia risk, though causality requires further investigation.
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