Health
Unlock the Secret to Preserving Memory: The Multivitamin Connection
Recent scientific studies suggest that regular intake of multivitamins might help in preserving memory as we age. Based on investigations involving more than 5,000 participants, a correlation was observed between daily multivitamin usage and a reduced rate of cognitive aging. “Compared to a placebo, taking a daily multivitamin slowed cognitive aging by about two years,” stated Dr. Chirag Vyas, a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital.
These research studies form part of the broader COSMOS trial, which aims to ascertain the potential of multivitamins and a cocoa extract supplement in preventing heart disease and cancer. The focus supplement was Centrum Silver, and the studying method ranged from in-person cognitive evaluations to online tests.
It is essential to note that Pfizer (the producer of Centrum Silver) provided the multivitamins for the study, and Mars Inc. partially funded the COSMOS trial. However, both companies had no influence over the design of the trials.
Dr. Vyas, who led the third study, explained the recurring finding across the three studies: Daily multivitamin consumption had a slight beneficial effect on preventing typical memory loss associated with aging.
In scrutinizing the three studies, scientists concluded that consistent multivitamin intake seemed to improve global cognition (such as attention, reasoning, and planning) and memory recall in healthy older adults. However, the exact vitamins and minerals responsible for these potential cognitive benefits remain unknown, thus needing more comprehensive research.
Dr. Vyas said, “Future studies are necessary to identify the specific micronutrients contributing most to the cognitive benefits.” He also called for more research including racially and ethnically diverse subjects, as most of the previous participants were white.
As we age, the membranes of our brain cells (neurons) gradually deteriorate. According to Dr. Vyas, vitamins could potentially provide a shield against some of this deterioration.
However, Dr. Richard Caselli, a professor emeritus of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, cautions against over-expectations based on the duration of these studies. “The amount of cognitive change that happens over the course of three years in healthy individuals who don’t have Alzheimer’s is pretty minimal,” he clarified.
In view of the study findings, Dr. Caselli sees no harm in recommending daily multivitamins to older patients, but he remains skeptical about their definitive impact on cognitive function.
Dr. Zaldy Tan, a geriatric medicine physician at the Cedars Sinai Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders in Los Angeles, suggested that individuals with vitamin-deficient diets might experience more noticeable benefits from multivitamin intake. Yet, it remains challenging to confirm if these improvements are directly attributable to the multivitamins or other factors.
Dr. Tan mentioned that deficiencies in vitamins A, B12, and E have been associated with cognitive health deterioration, although existing evidence is not exhaustive.
Dr. Caselli emphasized the significance of maintaining overall wellbeing to safeguard against cognitive decline. “A general rule of thumb is that everything that is bad for your body is bad for your brain and everything that is good for your body is good for your brain,” he advised.
As part of the same advice, he suggested people keep engaged socially and maintain mental and physical activity as they age. He recommended multivitamin supplements for those concerned about their dietary intake of essential vitamins and minerals. However, he stressed that while supplemental multivitamins could benefit individuals, they might not bring substantial advantage to those who already maintain healthy diets.
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