Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) consumption and risk of cognitive impairment: a prospective study project

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAging is the main risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. Yerba mate (YM) tea or mate Ilex paraguariensis is an infusion widely consumed in Argentina and other South American countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Experimental studies suggest a YM antioxidant and protective effect against amyloid deposition in AD. Previously, our group and others identified an inverse association between YM consumption and Parkinson’s Disease. The aim of this project is to evaluate a potential association between YM consumption and the risk of cognitive impairment development.MethodTwo different stages were designed. Stage I is a descriptive study designed. Adult patients fulfilling mild cognitive impairment criteria (MCI) evaluated at the Sanatorio de la Trinidad Mitre between January 2021 and December 2022 will be included. Each participant or their caregiver will be invited to complete a survey about lifestyle and nutritional information, including YM consumption. Stage II is a case‐control study. Patients with MCI will be distributed by severity and subtypes of MCI. The control group will be constituted by individuals with normal cognitive evaluations matched by age, sex and educational level who agree to answer the afore mentioned survey. All data will be recorded in an anonymized electronic database and statistical analysis will be carried out. Project duration is estimated at 12 months for each stage.ResultResults from stage I will describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with MCI and the frequency and duration of YM consumption in this group of patients, as well as any potential correlation between neuropsychological tests and YM consumption. Results from stage II are expected to identify an inverse association between the magnitude of YM consumption and MCI.ConclusionObservational evidence of the association between YM consumption and MCI might be the first step to develop experimental studies using Ilex paraguariensis in neurodegenerative cognitive disorders.