Introduction
With the shrinking population, there is the rise of cognitive impairment and memory loss to an extent that has become a public health issue (Pais et al., 2020). Older adults frequently have mental disorders that include negative memory, which leads to a reduction in the quality of their lives (Pizam 2014). Consequently, dietary supplements that can arrest cognitive decline in an aging population have been the subject of several studies (Suh et al., 2020). The reputation of nutraceutical and B vitamins has become a topic of discussion as they are believed to contain cognitive functions, especially memories. In this case, for instance, B complex vitamins may lead to a decline in homocysteine, being beneficial for cognitive function (Chen et al., 2021).
These drugs are believed also to restore mitochondrial functioning, the “lifeblood” of cognitive functions. While the available evidence offers some valid ideas, the incomplete and incoherent image of the relationship between both variables is exposed (Dangour et al., 2015). For instance, dietary supplements have been found to have both a positive and non-significant impact on cognitive function, according to different studies. It must be pointed out that the role of these supplements on memory in old age remains uncertain, creating the need to develop evidence on their effectiveness and the mechanism of their functioning (Suh et al., 2020). Knowing how dietary supplements can help sustain or improve cognitive function is crucial because the disorder can significantly affect individuals’ quality of life and healthcare systems (Pais et al., 2020). To solve this problem, it is imperative to differentiate the effects of individual supplements and to pick through the complex links between dietary substitutions and cognitive health (Suh et al., 2020). Also, investigating the factors that make these supplements work as intended would translate into developing tailored intervention processes for cognitive health among aged people (Chen et al., 2021). As a result, this study poses the question of whether dietary supplements like vitamins and nutraceuticals effectively boost memory and stop aging related cognitive decline. Rigorous research methods were used, and the research involved investigating potential mechanisms. Thus, the present study will add to the growing body of knowledge to improve cognitive well being and healthy aging.
Statement of Problem
Ever since the age of the global population has risen to a high level, cognitive decline, which encompasses memory loss in particular, has become a public health concern (Pais et al., 2020). Research suggests that certain dietary supplements, including vitamin B complex and specific nutraceuticals, could improve cognitive function and fight against age-related cognitive decline (Suh et al., 2020). Nevertheless, the current state of knowledge available by research provides a varied and inconclusive picture of the effects of these supplements on the memory capacity of old adults. It is this division in the conclusions that require a deeper exploration of the role effectiveness of dietary supplements in their connection with aging related memory impairments and cognitive decline among older people.
The significant contribution of dietary supplements in safeguarding cognitive function must be duly considered because degradation of cognitive function may lead to individuals’ quality of life and healthcare systems. Overcoming this problem is not only about uncovering the effects of a specific supplement but also about revealing the complex interplay between dietary supplementation and memory and the cognitive state of health. Besides disclosing the mechanism responsible for facilitating these effects, they could contribute to developing focused methods to improve mental health in elderly individuals. Furthermore, this research will explore the efficiency of multivitamin supplements and nutraceuticals in enhancing memory and retarding mental degeneration among older individuals. The present study aims to shed more light on further developing the mechanism that could be used, either alone or in a combination with other interventions for aging physiological processes, to improve the health of older people and their cognition.
Hypotheses
The current research is addressing the question of whether dieting supplement intervention for older adults shows any impact on memory ability.
HO: The organizations of dietary aids for use in this category and the cognition functions of memory do not show significant recall differences among the adult population between 65 and 75 years old (Chen et al., 2021).
HI: Regular applications of dietary supplements engineered to sustain memory pronouncement manifests in an upsurge in the short-term memory of older adults aged 65-75 (Gong et al., 2022).
H2: Memory improvements supplements that elderly individuals can use lead to decreased short term recall among groups aged 65-75 (Kwok et al. 2020).
Literature Review
Though nutritional interventions have come to the forefront in researching and overcoming cognitive decline and disease associated with the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s, targeting the B vitamins has been at the center. The present review critically unravels the latest studies on the significance of folate and vitamin B12 supplements on the deterioration and decline of cognitive function. Studies show that low levels of those vitamins in the bloodstream contribute to cognitive deficits, making those nutrients essential targets for intervention (Gong et al., 2022). Folate and vitamin B 12 are critical because they work in methylation processes where neurotransmitters are created and during metabolizing homocysteine. Cognitive function is involved in all of these processes. In the last few years, studies have revealed how supplementation with these vitamins modified the body’s response (Chen et al., 2021). Others conclude that there are positive effects in preventing dementia or enhancing some cognitive sectores (Ford et al., 2018). However, as some studies point to the lack of clear evidence of a positive effect, others suggest both positive and potentially harmful effects. This review also makes it possible to define the multifactorial role of nutritional supplements, emphasizing the intricate connections and simultaneous work of components and nutrients, which, in the end, allows us to observe the positive effect on cognitive function. These are the dynamics of the relations, which need to be studied ideally for designing efficient solving measures. Additionally, this review brings up the idea of non linear relationship or cross talks between nutrients and cognitive function, acknowledging that the level of need for supplementation might differ by other factors such as genetics, age and baseline nutritional status.
Effects of Folate and Vitamin B12 Supplementation
The team of Chen et al. (2021), did a randomized, single blinded, placebo controlled study in China among seniors with adverse Alzheimer’s disease. According to these investigators, studies on folic acid plus vitamin B12 supplementation demonstrate a favorable impact on cognitive capacity. However, the research’s regional focus and single visual design bar its generalizability, and the studied sample cannot be connected with the whole population. There is a contrast between this study and Dangour et al. (2015). The former research does not show the significance of B12 benefits for older adults cognitive ability in South East England, which raises a question about the benefits of vitamin B12 for brain performance. Researchers Ford et al. (2018) have studied the neuro-metabolic changes that occur after high dose supplementation of vitamin B. Although it was found that the research subjects had vitamin enrichment, no cognitive improvements were observed. This reflects the validity of B vitamins for cognition enhancement, which elicits even greater research direction. Gong and his team demonstrated that B vitamins may restore frontal lobe function, the decline of which is essential for the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (Gong et al., 2022).
Promotive Factor of Nutrient Complementarity
In their article entitled “ Occurrence of Mild Cognitive Impairment following changes in serum folate and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Levels” published in 2021, Li et al. examined the highly intricate intersection of folic acid and DHA levels and cognitive health in elderly people suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The research found the results to be of starling importance and revealed the dualistic effects of that combination of nutrients. Interestingly, the aggregate preclusion of several nutrients showed a comparable degree of improvement in cognitive function compared to interventions only considering one nutrient. Future researchers might be able to find the power of nutrient cooperation and design intervention programs to protect cognitive functions in older people (Li et al., 2021). Li et al. propose a mixture of doable nutrient tactics and sketch a big picture of adopting a well rounded approach in crafting schemes to alleviate cognitive decline.
Non linear Relationship Between Nutrient and Cognitive Function
By taking charge in their pioneering research, Zhou et al. (2022), managed to uncover the complex foundations and dynamics of the association between folate, vitamin b12 and cognitive function, thereby making an essential intellectual contribution. In the past, concerns had been mainly around the sufficiency of these essential nutrients and how the lack thereof impacts brain health. However, Ding et al. (2022) unveiled a paradigm shifting revelation: the evidence for the unique role of B vitamins (folate, B12) concerning cognitive function and the possibility of a nonlinear relationship. In contrast to the conventional linear perception of these vital micronutrients, they seem to have deficiencies and excesses, affecting cognitive functioning. It might be an essential finding that gives value to the role of folate and B 12 vitamins in maintaining brain levels for good mental health. O’Connor et al. (2020) study, highlights the importance of continuing research to understand further even more complicated nutrient cognition dynamics. Future studies may further investigate untangling the complex pathways that cause the curves to bend, thus paving the way for more refined approaches and individually applicable solutions to cognition conservation.
Critical Review of the Literature
Hughes et al. (2017) study findings in the literature are not confident about the results of using folate and vitamin B12 supplementation on cognitive function. While some studies demonstrate positive outcomes, others do not show significant benefits or should be treated as a specific group and are difficult to generalize. The synergistic action of nutritional supplements postulates a hope for supplementation, but whether the supplementation is feasible in multiethnic communities needs to be investigated more. Furthermore, the surprising link of the nonlinear existence between nutrition and cognitive function, hints that there is a need for more effective methods in supplementation. Chen at al. (2021) and Li et al. (2021) contributed data showing that folate and vitamin B 12 intake improves cognitive performance, with the most advantages to older adults with cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, they have many limitations as well; small size sample sizes or regional focuses that may influence the generalizability of their results. Different from the Dangour et. al (2015) and Ford et al. (2018) studies, which did not find significant cognitive boosts as a result of supplementation, there is uncertainty about whether the results can be universally applied and results can be reapplied given the different populations and methodologies.
As has been known by Gong et al. (2022) that vitamin B supplementation, especially among MCI patients with frontal lobe atrophy, has an impact on cognitive decline, and this could be another variable in the development of targeted nutrition therapy. While a double blinded design was not used in this study, bias might have occurred, therefore a good study design is necessary to ensure an intervention’s success. Exploring the synergistic effects of nutritional supplements, as revealed by Li et al. (2021), leads to the opening up of a promising new area for research. Such experiments would allow scientists to observe the combined effects of different nutrients and may reveal more techniques that could advance cognitive function in at-risk populations. However, researchers settle the fact that particular nutrients and their respective doses generating the optimal outcomes are not clear. Moreover, Young et al. (2022) expressed a viewpoint about non-linear connections between nutrients and cognitive function, pointing out the necessity of outstanding nutrient balance for mental health. It stands to reason that such approaches are highlighted that have an individual’s metabolic pathways and nutritional status in mind.
In sum, the study results underpin the possibility that folate and vitamin B12 supplementation could be a good choice for improving cognitive function. Though some studies propose the prospect of the positive, some draw contrasting ideas. The explorations of creation or enhancement effects and those non-linear relationships add to our understanding of nutritional interventions in cognitive health. As we look ahead, we must do thorough, high-quality research that considers various groups of people and proposes absurd approaches to support. By resolving the weaknesses of current research and establishing a solid base on the findings that point to more efficient intervention approaches, the researchers can provide more vital interventions to fight brain decline and keep the brain healthy.
Annotated Bibliography
Chen, H., Liu, S., Ge, B., Zhou, D., Li, M., Li, W., Ma, F., Liu, Z., Gi, Y., Huang, G. (2021). Effects of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Impairment and Inflammation in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Journal Of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, 1-8. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.14283/jpad.2021.22
Chen et al., with their expertise in neurology and public health, focus on Alzheimer’s patients in China. Their positive findings on cognitive performance from folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation offer new insights but are limited by the single-blind design and regional focus. This study contrasts with Dangour et al. (2015), which found no significant benefits of vitamin B-12 in older adults, highlighting the complexity of nutritional interventions in cognitive disorders. The findings add to the debate about vitamin B supplementation in cognitive impairment but need replication in broader demographic contexts. The study is relevant for those exploring nutritional therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dangour, A. D., Allen, E., Clarke, R., Elbourne, D., Fletcher, A. E., Letley, L., Richards, M., Whyte, K., Uauy, R., Mills, K. (2015). Effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation on neurologic and cognitive function in older people: a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition: AJCN., 102(3), 639-647. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.3945/ajcn.115.110775
Assesses vitamin B-12’s effect on cognitive and neurological functions in older adults recruited across seven general practices in South East England. Authors include experts in epidemiology and geriatrics. Despite rigorous methodology, the results showed no significant benefits, challenging the assumption of B-12’s cognitive benefits, contrasting with Chen et al. (2021), and underscoring the variability of vitamin B effects. This trial’s large sample size and double-blind design strengthen its validity but the specific age group and moderate B-12 deficiency context limit its applicability. This study is particularly relevant for geriatric healthcare professionals and researchers.
Ding, Y.-Z., Zhang, Y.-D., & Shi, Y.-P. (2022). Polyaniline spinel particles with ultrahigh-
performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for rapid vitamin B 9
determination in rice. Talanta (Oxford), 241, 123278-.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123278
To address the challenges associated with identifying the aging process in rice, primarily due to the complex composition of rice and matrix interference, the researchers proposed a unique approach using spinel particles ZnFe2O4@PANI for adsorption and determination of vitamin B9. The synthesized particles demonstrated a large specific surface area and fast mass transfer rate, allowing for accurate determination of vitamin B9 content in rice samples from different years. The study emphasizes the importance of assessing rice aging through changes in vitamin composition, highlighting the potential of the proposed method.
Ford, T., Downey, L., Simpson, T., Mcphee, G., Oliver, C., & Stough, C. (2018). The Effect of a High-Dose Vitamin B Multivitamin Supplement on the Relationship between Brain Metabolism and Blood Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Control Trial. Nutrients, 10(12), 1860. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.3390/nu10121860
Investigating high-dose B vitamin impacts on brain metabolism, researchers from Swinburne University found increased vitamin levels but no significant cognitive changes. The absence of cognitive changes challenges the efficacy of B vitamins for cognitive enhancement, contrasting with positive outcomes in patient-focused studies like Chen et al. (2021). The study’s strength lies in its randomized control design, but it’s limited by the focus on healthy adults, questioning the results’ relevance to populations with cognitive impairments. This study is important for researchers in nutritional neuroscience.
Gong, X., Shi, L., Wu, Y., Luo, Y., & Kwok, T. (2022). B Vitamin Supplementation Slows Cognitive Decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients with Frontal Lobe Atrophy. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 89(4), 1453–1461. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-220685
MCI patients with frontal lobe atrophy from Hong Kong demonstrated improved cognitive function with B vitamin supplementation. This finding contrasts with Dangour et al. (2015), suggesting the potential for targeted nutritional approaches in specific cognitive impairment conditions. Its specific focus on a subgroup of MCI patients raises questions about its broader applicability, and the absence of a double-blind protocol may introduce bias. The study is significant for neuroscientists and geriatricians.
Hughes, C., Ward, M., Tracey, F., Hoey, L., Molloy, A., Pentieva, K., & Mcnulty, H. (2017). B-Vitamin Intake and Biomarker Status in Relation to Cognitive Decline in Healthy Older Adults in a 4-Year Follow-Up Study. Nutrients, 9(1), 53. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.3390/nu9010053
This research from Ulster University and Trinity College, links vitamin B6 intake to cognitive decline in older adults. Its longitudinal design adds credibility, but the observational nature raises questions about causality. The study’s focus on B6 contrasts with typical B12 and folate studies like Dangour et al. (2015), offering a unique perspective yet needing further exploration. The study is relevant for nutritional epidemiologists and geriatric healthcare professionals.
Kwok, T., Wu, Y., Lee, J., Lee, R., Yung, C. Y., Choi, G., Lee, V., Harrison, J., Lam, L., Mok, V. (2020). A randomized placebo-controlled trial of using B vitamins to prevent cognitive decline in older mild cognitive impairment patients. Clinical Nutrition, 39(8), 2399-2405. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.1016/j.clnu.2019.11.005
Explores B vitamins’ role in slowing cognitive decline in older adults with MCI who were recruited from the specialist medical outpatient clinics at Prince of Wales Hospital, a publicly funded teaching hospital in Hong Kong. The findings of no significant cognitive improvement suggest limited benefits of B vitamins in this context, despite reduced homocysteine levels and a well-designed trial, in contrast with studies like Chen et al. (2021) that show benefits in specific contexts. The study’s randomized, placebo-controlled design is a strength, but results might not be generalizable beyond the specific demographic studied. The study informs geriatricians and researchers in aging.
Li, M., Li, W., Gao, Y., Chen, Y., Bai, D., Weng, J., Du, Y., Ma, F., Wang, X., Liu, H., Huang, G. (2021). Effect of folic acid combined with docosahexaenoic acid intervention on mild cognitive impairment in elderly: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 60(4), 1795-1808. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.1007/s00394-020-02373-3
Investigates folic acid and DHA on cognitive function in elderly MCI patients from Tianjin Medical University China. The significant improvement found suggests a beneficial role and synergistic effect, offering a new perspective compared to single-nutrient studies like those by Dangour et al. (2015). The study’s double-blind design and specific nutrient combination need further research to generalize these findings to broader populations. The study is for researchers in nutritional gerontology.
O’Connor, D. M. A., Laird, E. J., Carey, D., O’Halloran, A. M., Clarke, R., Kenny, R. A., & Molloy, A. M. (2020). Plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate and global cognitive function in an older population: cross-sectional findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). British Journal of Nutrition, 124(6), 602-610. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.1017/s0007114520001427
This cross-sectional study, part of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, examines the link between B12, folate, and cognitive function in older adults. The study’s findings counter concerns about high folate with low B12, contrasting with studies emphasizing B-vitamin deficiencies in cognitive decline, but its observational nature limits causal inferences. The large sample size adds validity, but the cross-sectional design limits understanding of long-term effects. The study informs public health policymakers and geriatric researchers
Pais, J., Ruano, L., Carvalho, O. P., & Barros, H. (2020). Global Cognitive Impairment Prevalence and Incidence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults—A Systematic Review. Geriatrics, 5(4), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics5040084
This review focuses on cognitive impairment prevalence and incidence rates among older adults in community settings. The researchers’ conclusion regarding the need for standardization and clarification of the cognitive impairment definition reflects a critical insight that can inform future research and policy efforts aimed at addressing cognitive health in aging populations. Overall, this review contributes valuable insights into the epidemiological landscape of cognitive impairment.
Suh, S. W., Kim, H. S., Han, J. H., Bae, J. B., Oh, D. J., & Kim, K. W. (2020). Efficacy of Vitamins on Cognitive Function of Non-Demented People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 12(4), 1168. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041168
A comprehensive systematic review of the efficacy of B vitamins, antioxidant vitamins, and vitamin D on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults without dementia. Suh et al. (2020) discusses the potential benefits of B vitamins and antioxidant vitamins aligns with previous evidence suggesting their role in cognitive health. However, further research is need to determine the significant effects for vitamin D. This review contributes valuable insights into the potential interventions for maintaining cognitive function in aging populations, especially for specific vitamin supplementation.
Young, L. M., Gauci, S., Arnoldy, L., Martin, L., Perry, N., White, D. J., Meyer, D., Lassemillante, A., Ogden, E., Silber, B., Scholey, A., Pipingas, A. (2022). Investigating the Effects of a Multinutrient Supplement on Cognition, Mood and Biochemical Markers in Middle-Aged Adults with ‘Optimal’ and ‘Sub-Optimal’ Diets: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 14(23), 5079. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.3390/nu14235079
This study from Swinburne University, Melbourne, assesses a multinutrient supplement’s impact on cognition in adults with different diet qualities. The finding of improved attention in those with optimal diets contrasts with broader efficacy claims in other studies like Kwok et al. (2020), and suggests a nuanced role of diet in supplementation efficacy. The randomized, double-blind design is rigorous, but the specific supplement composition and focus on dietary quality may limit generalizability. The study is important for nutritional psychologists and dietitians.
Zhou, L., Bai, X., Huang, J., Tan, Y., & Yang, Q. (2023). Vitamin B12 supplementation improves cognitive function in middle aged and elderly patients with cognitive impairment. Nutrición Hospitalaria. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.20960/nh.04394
Explores vitamin B12’s role in cognitive improvement in middle-aged and elderly patients. The study shows positive results, in contrast with O’Connor et al. (2020), which found no significant cognitive effects, but is limited by its case-control design, raising questions about causality. Its specific demographic (from Chongqing Medical University) focus also restricts the findings’ applicability to broader populations. The study is valuable for geriatricians and neurologists.
Empirical Research
These studies collectively suggest that nutritional interventions, particularly those involving omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and vitamin B12, can have varying impacts on cognitive function in older adults, with some evidence pointing towards beneficial effects in specific cognitive domains or populations. The researchers arrived at a recurring theme of maintaining optimal levels of these nutrients for mental health with the following methodologies for collecting data: randomized controlled trials (RCTs), double-blind placebo-controlled design, and cross-sectional analysis. These are standard methods used in clinical research to prevent bias and ensure the reliability of results. Research methodologies that were not used in these articles include longitudinal studies, qualitative study designs, mixed-methods approaches, case-control studies, and cohort studies.
Efficacy of B-Vitamin Supplementation
The studies by Chen et al. (2021), Gong et al. (2022), and Zhou et al. (2023), found positive effects of B-vitamin supplementation on cognitive function in specific patient groups, such as those with Alzheimer’s Disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, other studies like Dangour et al. (2015) and Kwok et al. (2020) reported no significant cognitive benefits from B-vitamin supplementation in older adults, including those with moderate vitamin B-12 deficiency or MCI.
Nutritional Synergy and Cognitive Health
Li et al. (2021) highlighted the potential synergistic effects of combining folic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), suggesting that specific nutrient combinations might be more effective than single-nutrient interventions.
Influence of Dietary Quality
According to Young et al. (2022), dietary quality is paramount, and supplementation has been found to have a more powerful impact on individuals with optimal or near-optimal diets.
Longitudinal Observations and Vitamin Deficiencies
Hughes et al. (2017) and O’Connor et al. (2020) provided longitudinal perspectives, with Hughes et al. focusing on vitamin B6 and O’Connor et al. examining the safety of folic acid fortification in relation to cognitive health.
Overall, these studies suggest a complex and variable impact of memory support supplements on older adults, highlighting the importance of individual differences, specific nutrient combinations, and overall diet quality (Chen et al., 2021; Gong et al., 2022; Zhou et al., 2023; Dangour et al., 2015; Kwok et al., 2020; Li et al., 2021; Young et al., 2022; Hughes et al., 2017; O’Connor et al., 2020).
Theoretical Framework
Role of Folate and Vitamin B12 in Cognitive Function
The research by Ding et al. (2022), Kwok et al., and O’Connor et al. (2020) focuses on the theory that folate and vitamin B12 play crucial roles in brain health. These nutrients are involved in homocysteine metabolism and one-carbon metabolism, both of which are important for DNA and RNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and myelin sheath integrity. Imbalances in these nutrients are theorized to contribute to cognitive decline and dementia risk.
Synergistic Effects of Nutritional Supplements
Li et al. (2021) explored the combined effects of folic acid and DHA on cognitive function. This is based on the theory that certain nutrients may have synergistic effects when combined, potentially offering greater benefits for cognitive health than when used individually.
Non-linear Relationships Between Nutrients and Cognitive Function
Ding et al. (2022) introduced the concept of a non-linear relationship between nutrients like folate and vitamin B12 and cognitive function. This theory suggests that both deficiency and excess of certain nutrients can adversely affect cognitive health, indicating the need for an optimal range of nutrient levels for cognitive well-being.
These theories reflect the multifaceted nature of nutrition’s impact on cognitive health in older adults. They underscore the importance of a balanced diet and possibly targeted supplementation, especially in populations at risk of nutritional deficiencies or cognitive decline.
This research will start by identifying and giving an overview of available theories on the topic as the framework. We will assert the benefits of memory support supplements in older individuals. The hypothesis proposed by scientists aims to explain facts about the link and estimations that can lead to the understanding of the cognitive function of older people, meaning how dietary intervention can maintain it (Gong et al., 2022). The critical elements of the proposed theoretical framework must focus on biological mechanisms and mental pathways. In metabolism, folate and vitamin B12 are essential for converting homocysteine. They are presented to play extended roles in DNA, RNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and myelin sheath integrity (Li et al., 2021). A shift in one or more of these vitamins and minerals may affect these pathways to the extent that it culminates in cognitive impairment and a higher risk of mental disorders among older people. The study will question the biochemical processes linked to cognitive function and the inadequate functioning of the brain’s mechanism. Moreover, the researcher’s need to investigate the neuroprotective effects of dietary components will be addressed with the assistance of omega-3 fatty acids found in memory support supplements which are a good example. The mechanism connecting PS consumption to mitochondrial health and age related neurodegeneration prevention is assumed to be related to the omega 3 fatty acid support of mitochondrial function (Young et al., 2022). Since the omega 3 fatty acids reduce oxidative stress, older individuals may produce neuroprotection and mitigate cognitive decline. Our study aims to disclose and investigate the mechanism of the neuroprotective effects, which may be related to maintaining healthy brain function. Also, scientific theories will be applied to explain the possible additional rewards consisting of many nutrients in memory support supplements. The research will focus on the potential interplay between nutrients involving folic acid and DHA, possibly leading to cognitive function interactions. Knowing these collaborations will significantly help improve food dietary management interventions and determine memory support supplements for older people that will work for each individual. Research will also be conducted on how personalized nutrition might be one of the main agendas. Potential influencing factors are identified in genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle that are expected to affect ho w person’s body reacts to the specific diet.
Research Gap
The existing research primarily focuses on longitudinal and interventional studies examining the effects of specific vitamins or nutrient combinations on cognitive health in older adults. A gap exists in understanding the immediate, cross-sectional relationships between dietary patterns, nutrient intake, and cognitive function in diverse older adult populations. A cross-sectional survey study could illuminate these relationships simultaneously, providing insights into how current dietary habits and supplement use correlate with cognitive performance across different demographics and geographical locations. This approach could complement longitudinal studies by offering a snapshot of the broader population’s nutritional status and cognitive health.
Methods
Research Design
A cross-sectional survey study is being proposed to investigate the association between dietary supplement usage and short-term recall among older adults aged 65-75. A cross-sectional design offers a feasible and effective approach to gather insightful data.
Variable Definitions & Measurements
The primary objective is to examine if there’s a correlation between the intake of dietary supplements designed to support memory function and the short-term recall abilities in the specified age group. The independent variable in this study is dietary supplement intake, which will be assessed through participants’ self-reported data on the type, frequency, and duration of supplement use utilizing a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The dependent variable is short-term recall ability, measured using The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This test is widely recognized as a reliable and validated tool for cognitive screening (Hobson, 2015). Chen et al. (2021), O’Connor et al. (2020), and Zhou et al. (2023) all employed the MoCA as part of their study design and Gong et al. (2022) and Kwok et al. (2020) used it to screen participants for eligibility. Additionally, there are digital administration tools newly available and coming soon (MoCA Cognition, 2023). The MoCA includes tasks such as recalling a list of words (Face, Velvet, Church, Daisy, Red) after 5 minutes, which directly aligns with evaluating short-term memory recall.
Sample Selection
The population of interest is older adults between the ages of 65 and 75 in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah. A nonprobability sampling method is proposed to select participants (Privitera, 2022). Publicly listed Independent Living Facilities (ILF) (Pizam, 2014), up to a quantity of 100, that are located in each capital city of the aforementioned southwestern states would be randomly contacted. ILF would be chosen specifically for their residents’ inclusion criteria, i.e. not requiring assistance with activities of daily living (Pizam, 2014). The ILF which respond positively to the inquiry would be collected in a spreadsheet. Each participating state would be defined as its own strata and from each strata an equal number of ILF would then be selected to participate. The staff at each selected ILF would be incentivized to distribute recruitment materials to their residents. According to calculator.net, the goal would be to interview 385 residents or more to reach a confidence level of 95%. Nonresponse bias is a risk (Privitera, 2022).
Data Analysis
A one-way ANOVA is proposed to analyze the relationship between categorized supplement intake and MoCA scores. This method is designed to compare the means of different groups to determine if there are statistically significant differences among them (Chatzi & Doody, 2023). In the proposed study, one-way ANOVA would allow for comparison of the mean MoCA scores across various supplement intake categories, such as No Intake, Low Intake, Moderate Intake, and High Intake. If the ANOVA results are significant, it suggests that at least one group’s average cognitive performance, as measured by MoCA, differs from the others. This could provide insights into the association between dietary supplement intake and cognitive function.
Table 1
Comparison of MoCA Scores Across Different Categories of Supplement Intake
References
Chatzi, A., & Doody, O. (2023). The one-way ANOVA test explained. Nurse Researcher, 31(3),
8–14. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr.2023.e1885
Chen, H., Liu, S., Ge, B., Zhou, D., Li, M., Li, W., Ma, F., Liu, Z., Gi, Y., Huang, G. (2021).
Effects of Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Impairment and Inflammation in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. The Journal Of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.14283/jpad.2021.22
Ding, Y.-Z., Zhang, Y.-D., & Shi, Y.-P. (2022). Polyaniline spinel particles with ultrahigh-
performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for rapid vitamin B 9
determination in rice. Talanta (Oxford), 241, 123278-.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123278
Dangour, A. D., Allen, E., Clarke, R., Elbourne, D., Fletcher, A. E., Letley, L., Richards, M.,
Whyte, K., Uauy, R., Mills, K. (2015). Effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation on neurologic and cognitive function in older people: a randomized controlled trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition: AJCN., 102(3), 639-647. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.110775
Ford, T., Downey, L., Simpson, T., Mcphee, G., Oliver, C., & Stough, C. (2018). The Effect of a
High-Dose Vitamin B Multivitamin Supplement on the Relationship between Brain Metabolism and Blood Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Control Trial. Nutrients, 10(12), 1860. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121860
Gong, X., Shi, L., Wu, Y., Luo, Y., & Kwok, T. (2022). B Vitamin Supplementation Slows
Cognitive Decline in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients with Frontal Lobe Atrophy. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 89(4), 1453–1461. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-220685
Hobson, J. (2015). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Occupational Medicine, 65(9),
764-765. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqv078
Hughes, C., Ward, M., Tracey, F., Hoey, L., Molloy, A., Pentieva, K., & Mcnulty, H. (2017).
B-Vitamin Intake and Biomarker Status in Relation to Cognitive Decline in Healthy Older Adults in a 4-Year Follow-Up Study. Nutrients, 9(1), 53. https://doi-org.libproxy.csun.edu/10.3390/nu9010053
Kaur, A., Edland, S. D., & Peavy, G. M. (2018). The MoCA-Memory Index Score. Alzheimer
Disease & Associated Disorders, 32(2), 120-124. https://doi.org/10.1097/wad.0000000000000240
Kwok, T., Wu, Y., Lee, J., Lee, R., Yung, C. Y., Choi, G., Lee, V., Harrison, J., Lam, L., Mok, V.
(2020). A randomized placebo-controlled trial of using B vitamins to prevent cognitive decline in older mild cognitive impairment patients. Clinical Nutrition, 39(8), 2399-2405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2019.11.005
Li, M., Li, W., Gao, Y., Chen, Y., Bai, D., Weng, J., Du, Y., Ma, F., Wang, X., Liu, H., Huang, G.
(2021). Effect of folic acid combined with docosahexaenoic acid intervention on mild cognitive impairment in elderly: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 60(4), 1795-1808. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-020-02373-3
MoCA Cognition. (2023). Digital Tools. https://mocacognition.com/digitaltools/
O’Connor, D. M. A., Laird, E. J., Carey, D., O’Halloran, A. M., Clarke, R., Kenny, R. A., &
Molloy, A. M. (2020). Plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate and global cognitive function in an older population: cross-sectional findings from The Irish
Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). British Journal of Nutrition, 124(6), 602-610. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114520001427
Pais, J., Ruano, L., Carvalho, O. P., & Barros, H. (2020). Global Cognitive Impairment
Prevalence and Incidence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults—A Systematic Review. Geriatrics, 5(4), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics5040084
Pizam, A. (2014). Senior living facilities: The new frontier of hospitality management.
International Journal of Hospitality Management, 43, 145–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2014.10.005
Suh, S. W., Kim, H. S., Han, J. H., Bae, J. B., Oh, D. J., & Kim, K. W. (2020). Efficacy of
Vitamins on Cognitive Function of Non-Demented People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 12(4), 1168. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041168
Privitera, G. J. (2022). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. United States: SAGE
Publications.
Young, L. M., Gauci, S., Arnoldy, L., Martin, L., Perry, N., White, D. J., Meyer, D.,
Lassemillante, A., Ogden, E., Silber, B., Scholey, A., Pipingas, A. (2022). Investigating the Effects of a Multinutrient Supplement on Cognition, Mood and Biochemical Markers in Middle-Aged Adults with ‘Optimal’ and ‘Sub-Optimal’ Diets: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 14(23), 5079. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235079
Zhou, L., Bai, X., Huang, J., Tan, Y., & Yang, Q. (2023). Vitamin B12 supplementation improves
cognitive function in middle aged and elderly patients with cognitive impairment. Nutrición Hospitalaria. https://doi.org/10.20960/nh.04394
The post Introduction With the shrinking population, there is the rise of cognitive impairment appeared first on essayfab.