Dietary nutrient intake and cognitive function in the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2.

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to analyze associations between dietary intake of multiple nutrients and altered cognitive function and/or decline.

METHODS: Observational analyses of participants (n = 6334) in two randomized trials of nutritional supplements for age-related macular degeneration: Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2.

RESULTS: In AREDS, for 4 of 38 nutrients examined, higher intake quintiles were significantly associated with decreased risk of cognitive impairment on the Modified Mini-Mental State test (<80): β-carotene, copper, docosahexaenoic acid, and insoluble fiber. In AREDS2, for 13 of 44 nutrients, higher intake quintiles were associated with decreased risk on the Telephone Interview Cognitive Status-Modified (<30). Rate of cognitive decline over up to 10 years was not significantly different with higher intake of any nutrient.

DISCUSSION: Higher dietary intake of multiple nutrients, including specific vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, fatty acids, and fiber, was associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment but not slower decline in cognitive function.