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Plasma selenium is positively related to performance in neurological tasks assessing coordination and motor speed
Author(s) -
Shahar Avner,
Patel Kushang V.,
Semba Richard D.,
Bandinelli Stefania,
Shahar Danit R.,
Ferrucci Louigi,
Guralnik Jack M.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
movement disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.352
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1531-8257
pISSN - 0885-3185
DOI - 10.1002/mds.23218
Subject(s) - selenium , motor coordination , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychology , neuroscience , medicine , chemistry , organic chemistry
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative process affecting the striato nigral system (SN). Its etiology, although obscure, may involve oxidative damage. Selenium, an antioxidant, was shown to protect the SN in animal models. In the current study, we investigate the association between plasma selenium concentrations and the presence of “soft” neurological signs related to the SN. Plasma selenium concentration was assessed in participants of age ≥65 years in the InCHIANTI study, a population‐based cohort study in Tuscany, Italy. PD was defined based on standard criteria. “Soft” neurological signs were ascertained by physical examination. A total of 1,012 participants were included. No association was found between the presence of PD and plasma selenium. There was, however, a strong association between plasma selenium and timed performance‐based assessments. Lower levels of selenium were significantly associated withdecreased performance in neurological tests of coordination among older adults. Prospective studies are needed to further investigate the effects of selenium on SN dysfunction. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society