Study Finds Two-Year Cognitive Decline Slowdown in Elderly Individuals

Study Finds Two-Year Cognitive Decline Slowdown in Elderly Individuals

Study Scope and Participants:

“Since 2016 researchers at Mass General Brigham have led a large-scale, nationwide controlled trial involving more than 21,000 participants over the age of 60, looking at the effects of different lifestyle interventions on memory and decision making.”

Focus on Multivitamin Impact:

“Their latest findings, published today in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, honed in on a group of 573 participants who underwent face-to-face cognitive assessments after two to three years spent taking a daily multivitamin.”

Specifics of the Multivitamin Group:

“Some 272 participants were randomly assigned to the multivitamin group and 301 were put in the placebo group. Those given the multivitamin received the Centrum Silver pill, made by Haleon, sold for about 19 cents-a-pill.”

Noteworthy Findings on Memory Improvement:

“Researchers found that those taking the multivitamin saw a ‘statistically significant’ improvement in episodic memory when asked to complete tasks such as recalling a list of words.”

Biological Basis and Cognitive Health:

“There is ‘biologic plausibility’ for the findings, the researchers said, as combinations of vitamins and minerals interact with multiple pathways that support cognitive health.”

Risk of Cognitive Decline and Nutritional Deficiencies:

“Plus, nutritional and micronutrient deficiencies in older adults may elevate risk of cognitive decline.”

Author’s Perspective and Meta-Analysis:

“Lead study author Chirag Vyas said: ‘The meta-analysis of three separate cognition studies provides strong and consistent evidence that taking a daily multivitamin, containing more than 20 essential micronutrients, helps prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging.'”

Market Trends and Skepticism:

“Manufacturers and some scientists have been touting the benefits of supplements for years, with the market already valued at up to $50 billion annually in North America alone.”

Expert Criticism on Supplement Use:

“Experts have previously laid into over-the-counter vitamins saying they may delay people seeing medical treatment. Dr Sarah Lock, senior vice-president of the AARP, previously said: ‘Supplements for brain health appear to be a huge waste of money for the 25 percent of adults over 50 who take them.'”

Skepticism and Alternative Investments:

“These people taking these pills are spending between $20 and $60 a month and flushing dollars down the toilet that could be better spent on things that actually improve their brain health.”

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