The Correlation Between Zinc Intake and Superoxide Dismutase Activity with Cognitive Function in the Elderly

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the correlation between zinc intake and superoxide dismutase (SOD) with cognitive function in the elderly. Thus, the role of zinc as a structural component of SOD, along with SOD’s contribution to cognitive function, can be established. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Panti Sosial Tresna Wredha Budi Mulia 1 in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July to September 2024. Elderly men and women were included. Zinc intake was assessed using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, while plasma SOD activity was measured by spectrophotometer. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Indonesia version. Data were analysed using bivariate testing and multivariate linear regression. Results: A total of 85 subjects were included with a median age of 69 years (61.2% were female and 38.8% male). The majority (72.9%) had primary-level education and 87.1% had chronic diseases. The mean physical activity score was 75.4 ± 39.8, the mean body mass index was 21.8 ± 3.9 kg/m2 and the median daily calorie intake was 1,927.8 kcal/day (range: 1,341.7–2,167.0 kcal/day). No correlation was found between zinc intake and cognitive function. However, a significant correlation (P = 0.006, r = 0.296) was observed between SOD levels and cognitive function, with multivariate analysis indicating that gender, education and SOD accounted for 15.9% of the variance in cognitive function. Conclusion: This study found no significant correlation between zinc intake and cognitive function. However, SOD activity were significantly correlated with cognitive function in the elderly.