The relationship between nutrient intake and cognitive performance in people at risk of dementia

Abstract

Background: There is evidence of a link between nutrient intake and cognitive impairment and decline in old age. There has been no study of nutrient intake in Irish subjects at risk of dementia. Aim: To investigate the possible link between nutrient intake and cognitive performance in a group of Irish adults at risk of dementia, and to compare the nutrient intake in these adults stratified by the absence or presence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele. Method: Forty-four subjects, who were first-degree blood relatives of people with Alzheimer's disease, were recruited. Cognitive performance and nutritional intake were assessed and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype determined. Results: The intakes of cholesterol (P = < 0.037) and Na (P < 0.037) were significantly higher in subjects with altered cognitive performance. There was no significant difference in nutrient intakes between APOE ε-4 allele positive and APOE ε-4 allele negative subjects. Conclusion: The findings of this work suggest that dietary cholesterol and sodium intake may be linked to cognitive impairment. © Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland 2007.