Multivitamins and Memory Boost in Older Adults!

By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A

Recent research from Columbia University in New York and Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard in Boston suggests that adults over 60 aiming to maintain their memory could find support in a daily multivitamin supplement.?

In a recent interview with Adam M. Brickman, PhD, a professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University, he stated, "Daily multivitamin supplementation improved memory in older adults after one year, an effect that was sustained, on average, over the three years of follow-up."

In the published study, over 3,500 adults aged 60 and above were randomly assigned to take either a daily multivitamin or a placebo over a three-year period. Cognitive tests conducted at the end of each year revealed that those taking the multivitamin demonstrated memory improvement compared to the placebo group, with this positive effect persisting throughout the study. To find the right supplement for you, visit?www.PreventingDecline.com

Notably, individuals with cardiovascular disease experienced a more significant memory boost from the multivitamins, indicating a potential link between heart health and cognitive function. This might indicate that multivitamins could prevent vascular dementia, a type of cognitive decline associated with impaired blood flow to the brain.?However, the study has certain limitations. For example, specific improvements in memory areas like immediate recall but not in executive function or object recognition were noted. Additionally, the study's participants were predominantly White with high education, limiting the generalizability of the findings.

While multivitamins are not considered essential for everyone, the study raises questions about the role of nutrition in cognitive health. Specifically, that B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, zinc, resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are relevant to cognitive performance. However, it is always recommended that anybody consult with a doctor before adding supplements, considering potential interactions and the risk of polypharmacy.

Of course, while multivitamins present a potential benefit, it is important that we also have a balanced diet, regular aerobic exercise, and open communication with our healthcare providers to preserve both independence and cognitive well-being.