Association between vitamin A, vitamin E and apolipoprotein E status with mild cognitive impairment among elderly people in low-cost residential areas

Abstract

RationaleThe influence of nutritional parameters and genetic susceptibility on poor cognitive impairment has been documented; however, the association between lipid-soluble vitamins with genetic susceptibility on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has not yet been studied extensively.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was (i) to determine the prevalence of MCI and its associated risk factors and (2) to investigate the influence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele on peripheral vitamin A and E concentration in MCI and non-MCI groups.MethodsA total of 333 subjects aged 60 years and above, residing in public housing areas in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were interviewed to obtain information on their neuropsychological status. Fasting venous blood was taken for determination of vitamin A and vitamin E concentration using high-performance liquid chromatography. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed to determine the APOE genotypes.ResultsThe prevalence of MCI was 21.1%. Binary logistic regression indicated that the predictors of MCI were being married, overweight or obesity, and had vitamin A deficiency. In non-MCI subjects, vitamin E levels were lower among APOEɛ4 allele carriers as compared to the non-carriers (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of maintaining good nutritional status and vitamin A status for optimal cognitive function. The presence of APOEɛ4 allele has a prominent role in affecting vitamin E levels, particularly among cognitively healthy elderly in our unique population.