Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3FAs), carotenoids, and vitamin E are important constituents of a healthy diet. While they are present in brain tissue, studies have shown that these key nutrients are depleted in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in comparison to cognitively healthy individuals. Therefore, it is likely that these individuals will benefit from targeted nutritional intervention, given that poor nutrition is one of the many modifiable risk factors for MCI. Evidence to date suggests that these nutritional compounds can work independently to optimize the neurocognitive environment, primarily due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To date, however, no interventional studies have examined the potential synergistic effects of a combination of ω-3FAs, carotenoids and vitamin E on the cognitive function of patients with MCI. Individuals with clinically confirmed MCI consumed an ω-3FA plus carotenoid plus vitamin E formulation or placebo for 12 months. Cognitive performance was determined from tasks that assessed global cognition and episodic memory. Ω-3FAs, carotenoids, and vitamin E were measured in blood. Carotenoid concentrations were also measured in tissue (skin and retina). Individuals consuming the active intervention (n = 6; median [IQR] age 73.5 [69.5–80.5] years; 50% female) exhibited statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05, for all) in tissue carotenoid concentrations, and carotenoid and ω-3FA concentrations in blood. Trends in improvements in episodic memory and global cognition were also observed in this group. In contrast, the placebo group (n = 7; median [IQR] 72 (69.5–75.5) years; 89% female) remained unchanged or worsened for all measurements (p > 0.05). Despite a small sample size, this exploratory study is the first of its kind to identify trends in improved cognitive performance in individuals with MCI following supplementation with ω-3FAs, carotenoids, and vitamin E.
Highlights
Given the growing social and economic burden of cognitive decline on society, emphasis is being placed on preventative strategies to delay the onset and reduce the risk of developing dementia, with particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as it is the most common form of dementia
Baseline variables were statistically comparable between both groups, with the exception of the number of between errors (p = 0.006) and total errors (p = 0.012) made at stage 8 of the SWM tasks, which were significantly higher in the active group
No comprehension or sensorimotor difficulties were observed during the Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery (CANTAB) assessment, as the motor screening task (MOT) latency assessment was completed by all individuals at baseline and follow-up
Summary
Given the growing social and economic burden of cognitive decline on society, emphasis is being placed on preventative strategies to delay the onset and reduce the risk of developing dementia, with particular focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as it is the most common form of dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often a transitional phase between the cognitive changes that one expects as one ages and very early dementia It is recognized as a deterioration in cognitive function that exceeds what is anticipated for an individual based on their age and education level. MCI is a risk factor for AD (with MCI to dementia conversion rates estimated at 3%–15% annually [4]), it is important to note that some individuals with the condition remain stable and do not progress while others may improve (i.e., revert to a cognitively intact state) upon follow-up assessment. Due to the increased risk of mortality and progression to AD, MCI is an important public health concern
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