Memory Loss and Multivitamins: Slowing Cognitive Aging

Introduction

• Memory loss is a significant concern as people age.
• New research suggests that daily multivitamins may help delay cognitive aging by up to two years.

Research Overview

• Study Details:
  • Large nationwide study focusing on older Americans over 60.
  • Participants took daily multivitamins.
  • Study involved about 5,000 participants with assessments of cognitive function.
• Findings:
  • Multivitamins seemed to slow cognitive aging by approximately two years.
  • Improvement noted in:
    • Global cognitive function (planning, reasoning, attention)
    • Episodic memory (recall of daily events)
  • Smaller sub-study (500 individuals) confirmed benefits.

Study Limitations

• Mainly involved white participants, requiring broader replication.
• Focused on Centrum Silver, unclear if results apply to other multivitamins.
• Uncertainty about which specific micronutrients are beneficial.

Recommendations

• Multivitamins typically considered safe, but consult a doctor, especially if taking high doses of vitamins A, C, or E.
• Potential public health impact due to affordability and accessibility.
• No FDA-approved intervention currently exists for healthy adults to slow cognitive aging.

Additional Tips to Slow Cognitive Decline

• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Manage stress and mental health.
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
• Address and control any hearing loss.
• Stay socially connected.

Conclusion

• Daily multivitamins present a promising option for slowing cognitive decline.
• Lifestyle changes complement the potential benefits of multivitamins for brain health.

Note

• For more information, tune into the Today Show on weekdays at 11 a.m. Eastern, 8 Pacific, on their streaming channel.