Cognitive findings of an exploratory trial of docosahexaenoic acid and lutein supplementation in older women

Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Apr;11(2):75-83. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301450.

Abstract

Introduction: Low dietary intake of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and/or foods rich in lutein may be associated with increased risk of cognitive decline in the elderly.

Subjects and methods: The cognitive benefit of DHA and lutein in unimpaired elder women was explored in the context of a 4-month, double-blind, intervention trial of DHA and lutein supplementation for eye health. Forty-nine women (aged 60-80 years) were randomized to receive DHA (800 mg/day; n = 14), lutein (12 mg/day; n = 11), a combination of DHA and lutein (n = 14) or placebo (n = 10). Subjects underwent cognitive tests measuring verbal fluency, memory, processing speed and accuracy, and self-reports of mood at randomization and upon completion of the trial.

Results: Following supplementation, verbal fluency scores improved significantly in the DHA, lutein, and combined treatment groups (P < 0.03). Memory scores and rate of learning improved significantly in the combined treatment group (P < 0.03), who also displayed a trend toward more efficient learning (P = 0.07). Measures of mental processing speed, accuracy and mood were not affected by supplementation.

Conclusions: These exploratory findings suggest that DHA and lutein supplementation may have cognitive benefit for older adults.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Affect / drug effects
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Cognition Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning / drug effects
  • Lutein / administration & dosage*
  • Memory / drug effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos
  • Speech / drug effects

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Lutein