Brain Health in Old Age Linked to Nutrients

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois found that lutein, contained in green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, is linked to slowing or stopping the decline of cognitive function in older adults. While prior studies showed a link between individual relationships of lutein, crystallized intelligence, or the temporal cortex, this study was the first to show the relationship between all 3 in slowing cognitive decline.

Researchers examined the effects of serum lutein on gray matter structure regions in the temporal cortex associated with crystalized intelligence in 76 cognitively intact adults between the ages of 65 and 75 using MRI, a serum analysis, neuropsychological testing, and 3-step mediation analysis. Women comprised 67% of participants in the study.
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The study suggested that the right parahippocampal cortex is a mediator for serum lutein and crystallized intelligence. Larger volume of the right parahippocampal cortex was associated with higher serum lutein levels. Likewise, higher serum lutein levels were associated with higher crystallized intelligence.

Overall, lutein was associated with slowing or stopping of cognitive decline in older adults, and is mediated by the parahippocampal cortex. Further research is needed to examine the mechanisms that underlie the mediation and protective properties of lutein and its ability to slow or stop brain aging.  

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Zamroziewicz MK, Paul EJ, Zwilling CE, et al. Parahippocampal cortex mediates the relationship between lutein and crystallized intelligence in healthy, older adults [published online December 6, 2016]. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2016.00297.