Abstract P032: Wine Consumption and Cognitive Function

Abstract

Background: Regular modest wine consumption may be linked favorably or adversely to cognition. Goal: To assess the cross-sectional relation between wine consumption frequency ( WineF ) & cognitive indices. Method: Of 1018 adults age 20-85 without CVD or DM, 945 completed a food frequency questionnaire eliciting WineF. Frequency was of interest, since frequency of a food with antioxidant effects previously related favorably to cognitive indices in younger adults. Cognitive tests included grooved pegboard (time), Trails A & B (time), digit symbol, Elithorn mazes, Stroop color word. Memory and attention tests included digit span and recurrent words; and digit vigilance. (Table legend shows coding). Regression (robust standard errors) assessed how WineF predicted cognitive performance. Since two prior dietary predictors showed age-dependency in relation to cognition (selectively evident in younger adults), assessment included age-stratified analysis. Covariates adjusted were known cognitive predictors (per this sample and/or the literature): age, sex, education, exercise, diet variables linked to cognition in this sample, and metabolic variables (glucose, LDL, systolic blood pressure), recognizing that adjustment for the latter could attenuate associations if these variables are mediating. Results: More frequent WineF predicted significantly better performance, in younger adults and often in the full sample, for the tests shown in the Table (fully adjusted model). These tests involved timed performance and/or constructs such as executive function. WineF did not relate significantly to the tests above of memory or attention (data not shown). Limitations: Alcohol bears risks and findings are observational. Heavy drinkers were poorly represented and findings need not apply to them. Conclusion: More frequent WineF in a study sample (with few heavy wine drinkers) was favorably linked to performance on cognitive tests related to timed performance and executive function, particularly in younger adults.