ICMR-NIN study links vitamin deficiencies to cognitive decline in elderly

More than one in three older adults surveyed in a Hyderabad-based study showed signs of mild cognitive impairment, with researchers finding a strong association between cognitive decline and deficiencies in several key vitamins.

Micronutrients deficiencies in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

The findings by scientists at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) suggest that better nutritional status may play an important role in preserving brain health as people age. Older adults with mild cognitive impairment were more likely to have deficiencies in several micronutrients, particularly vitamins D, B2 and B9, highlighting the potential role of nutrition in maintaining brain health during ageing.

Published in the international journal ‘Nutrients’, the study – Neuronal Biomarkers and Micronutrient Status in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment, also identified significant associations between blood levels of essential vitamins, neuronal biomarkers and cognitive performance. The findings underscore the importance of early nutritional assessment and intervention among older adults at risk of cognitive decline.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate stage between normal ageing and dementia, in which individuals experience measurable changes in memory and thinking abilities but can still perform their daily activities independently.

What was assessed?

The community-based cross-sectional study involved 184 adults aged 55 to 85 years from the city. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), while blood samples were analysed for vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12. Researchers also measured neuronal biomarkers, including beta-amyloid, total tau, neurofilament light chain and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and other biochemical parameters were also evaluated to identify factors associated with early cognitive impairment. It was found that 36.4% of participants had mild cognitive impairment. The affected individuals had lower blood levels of several micronutrients, including vitamins D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12. Deficiencies in vitamins D, B2 and B9 were particularly more prevalent among the MCI group.

Better cognitive performance

Participants with MCI also had significantly higher blood glucose levels and elevated systolic blood pressure. In contrast, higher levels of vitamins, especially vitamins D and B6, were associated with better cognitive performance.

“While further studies and trials are needed to establish causality and assess the impact of nutrient supplementation, these findings underscore the value of early nutritional assessment and timely interventions as part of healthy ageing strategies,” said Scientist & Head of the biochemistry division at ICMR-NIN, G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, who led the research.

“Healthy ageing requires attention not only to disease management but also to nutritional well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining adequate micronutrient status and strengthening early nutritional assessment among older adults to support cognitive health and promote healthy ageing,” said ICMR-NIN Director Bharati Kulkarni, in a press release.

The association between higher nutrition levels and better cognitive performance was mentioned in ICMR-NIN’s study
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