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- Title
Dietary Antioxidants and Cognitive Function in a Population-based Sample of Older Persons.
- Authors
Jama, J. Warsama; Launer, L J.; Witteman, J. C. M.; den Breeijen, J. H.; Breteler, M. M. B.; Grobbee, D. E.; Hofman, A.
- Abstract
Antioxidants have been implicated in processes related to atherosclerosis, aging, and selective neuronal damage, all of which may ultimately affect cognitive function. In a sample of older persons, the authors examined the cross-sectional relation between cognitive function and dietary intake of β-carotene and vitamins C and E. The data were derived from 5, 182 community participants aged 55–95 years in the population-based Rotterdam Study in the period 1990 to 1993. Dietary intake was estimated from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and categorized into five levels of intake. Cognitive function was measured with the 30-point Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and characterized as unimpaired (>25 points) or impaired (≤25 points). Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (Cl) for cognitive impairment. After adjustment for age, education, sex, smoking, total caloric intake, and intake of other antioxidants, a lower intake of β-carotene was associated with impaired cognitive function (<0.9 mg vs. ≥. 2.1 mg intake, OR = 1.9, 95% Cl 1.2–3.1; p for trend < 0.04). There was no association between cognitive function and intake of vitamins C and E. These cross-sectional observations are compatible with the view that β-carotene-rich foods may protect against cognitive impairment in older people. The finding could also reflect unmeasured confounding, measurement error, or a change in food habits that resulted from rather than preceded the onset of cognitive impairment. Am J Epidemiol 1996; 144: 275–80.
- Subjects
PHYSIOLOGICAL effects of antioxidants; COGNITION disorders in old age; COGNITIVE ability; NUTRITION &; psychology; DISEASE risk factors
- Publication
American Journal of Epidemiology, 1996, Vol 144, Issue 3, p275
- ISSN
0002-9262
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a008922