Nutrient biomarker patterns and rates of cognitive decline in dementia‐free elders

Background We previously identified three distinct nutrient biomarker patterns associated with both psychometric and neuroimaging indices in a cross‐sectional analysis. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the nutrient biomarker patterns and cognitive decline over 2 years. Methods Thirty biological markers of diet were assayed in plasma drawn from 104 dementia‐free participants of the Oregon Brain Aging Study. Principal component analysis constructed 8 distinct nutrient biomarker patterns. A linear regression model was used to examine the change in the Clinical Dementia Rating ‐ sum of box score over two years explained by the nutrient biomarker patterns. Results Mean age was 87±10, 62% are female, and 10% are carrying the ApoEe4 allele. Two distinct nutrient biomarker patterns were associated with rates of cognitive decline: a vitamin pattern high in vitamins B, C, E and D (p=0.001) and a high trans fat pattern (p<0.001) associated with less and more decline over two years, respectively. These findings were independent of age, gender, education years, ApoEe4 carrier status and vascular risk factors. Conclusion A nutrient biomarker pattern high in specific vitamins and low in trans‐fat may offer a prudent profile for promoting cognitive health in older populations. Funding: NIH/NCCAM AT004777 (GLB), NIH/NIA AG08017 (JAK), NIH/NCRR UL1 RR024140Grant Funding Source : NIH AT004777