Boost Your Brain: Daily Multivitamins May Slow Memory Decline (New Study)

Older adults often worry about memory decline and dementia. Some take multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplements hoping to stay sharp, but whether they help is unclear. A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1)followed thousands of people over 2 years and found that those taking MVMs did experience slightly better memory and overall cognitive function than those on placebo. It's like turning back the clock on thinking skills by about 2 years! While more research is needed, this suggests that MVMs could be a simple way to support brain health as we age.

Key Points

Problem:

• Little evidence exists about the long-term effects of multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplements on cognitive decline in older adults.

• Current studies lack detailed cognitive assessments, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

Study:

• This research aimed to address the above questions using the COSMOS trial, which assessed the impact of MVM supplementation on various health outcomes in people aged 60 and above.

• 573 participants in the COSMOS-Clinic subcohort underwent detailed cognitive assessments over 2 years.

• Additionally, a meta-analysis combined data from COSMOS-Clinic with two other COSMOS substudies, including over 5,000 participants.

Key Findings:

• MVM supplementation offered modest benefits: Compared to placebo, participants taking MVM in COSMOS-Clinic showed:

  • Improvement in global cognition: equivalent to about 2 years of reduced cognitive aging.

  • Significant improvement in episodic memory: the ability to recall past experiences.

  • No significant change in executive function or attention.

• A meta-analysis confirmed MVM benefits: Combining data from all COSMOS cognitive substudies yielded similar results:

  • Improved global cognition and episodic memory with MVM compared to placebo.

Conclusions:

• This study provides strong evidence that daily MVM supplementation can benefit cognitive function in older adults.

• Specifically, MVM may help improve memory and slow down overall cognitive decline.

• These findings support the potential recommendation of daily MVM supplements for cognitive health in healthy older adults.

Further Considerations:

• Long-term studies with larger populations are needed to confirm these findings and assess the safety and effectiveness of MVM supplementation for everyone.

• Individual needs and health conditions should be considered when making decisions about MVM supplementation, and consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended.

Implications:

• This research offers promising evidence for the use of MVM as a non-invasive, inexpensive intervention to improve cognitive health in aging populations.

• Further research can refine recommendations and potentially integrate MVM supplementation into preventative strategies for cognitive decline and dementia.

The demographic landscape of America is rapidly evolving, with nearly one in four individuals expected to be 65 years or older. This aging population is increasingly susceptible to cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Early intervention is key to mitigating these risks, and multivitamin-mineral (MVM) supplements have emerged as a promising solution. Despite the growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of MVM supplements in older adults, the need for comprehensive, in-person neuropsychological assessments to fully understand their impact remains a critical gap in research.

The Comprehensive Nature of MVM Supplements

MVM supplements, typically comprising essential vitamins and minerals, are formulated to target multiple biological pathways, thus supporting overall cognitive health. Previous randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have explored the effects of single nutrients or limited combinations on late-life cognition, often with inconclusive results. This underscores the need for more holistic approaches, like those provided by broad-based MVM supplements, to effectively address cognitive health in aging populations.

COSMOS Trial: A Groundbreaking Study in Cognitive Health

The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) is a landmark study that stands out for its methodological rigor and comprehensive approach. It's a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that investigates the effects of cocoa extract and a daily MVM supplement on cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention. With over 21,000 participants aged 60 years and older, COSMOS provides a robust data set for examining the potential cognitive benefits of MVM supplements.

Revealing Results: The Positive Impact of MVM on Cognitive Health

The COSMOS-Clinic subcohort, a key component of the study, involved 573 participants who underwent detailed neuropsychological assessments at baseline and after two years. The findings from this cohort are illuminating - a significant portion of participants showed improved episodic memory, highlighting the positive impact of MVM supplementation on cognitive health. These results are complemented by high adherence rates to the MVM regimen, demonstrating the practicality and effectiveness of daily supplementation.

Our analysis of the COSMOS-Clinic subcohort reveals a statistically significant beneficial effect of MVM supplementation on episodic memory. Additionally, a meta-analysis encompassing over 5,000 participants across three separate COSMOS cognitive substudies further corroborates these findings. The evidence clearly indicates that daily MVM supplementation can benefit both global cognition and episodic memory, offering a potent intervention against cognitive decline in older adults.

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis: Solidifying the Evidence for MVM Benefits

The meta-analysis within the COSMOS cognitive substudies strengthens the case for MVM supplementation. By integrating data from nonoverlapping participants across COSMOS-Clinic, COSMOS-Mind, and COSMOS-Web, we can confidently assert the effectiveness of MVM supplements in enhancing cognitive function among older adults. This analysis not only provides robust evidence of the cognitive benefits of MVMs but also underscores their potential significance in clinical and public health contexts.

Conclusion: Embracing MVM Supplements for Cognitive Health

The findings from the COSMOS trial, particularly those from the COSMOS-Clinic subcohort, represent a significant advancement in our understanding of cognitive health in older adults. Daily MVM supplementation shows promise as a viable and effective strategy for preventing cognitive decline. As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by an aging population, MVM supplements emerge as a beacon of hope, offering a practical and accessible means to preserve cognitive function and enhance the quality of life.

1.Reference Article

Vyas, C. M., Manson, J. E., Sesso, H. D., Cook, N. R., Rist, P. M., Weinberg, A., Moorthy, M. V., Baker, L. D., Espeland, M. A., Yeung, L., Brickman, A. M., & Okereke, O. I. (2024, January 1). Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.011

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.