Vitamins E and C May Improve Mental Capabilities
HONOLULU--The Honolulu-Asia Aging Study, conducted over an eleven-year period, researched the effects of vitamins E and C on cognitive performance. In the March 28 issue of Neurology, 3,385 men ages 71 to 93 took either a vitamin E or C supplement, both supplements or no supplements. Those who took supplements used them at least weekly; the amount of each vitamin taken was unknown. Cognitive performance was assessed with the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument. A significant protective effect was found for various dementia in men who had reported taking both vitamin E and C supplements. No protective effect was found for Alzheimer's. Among those without dementia, use of either vitamin E or C supplements alone was associated with better cognitive test performance, and taking both supplements over a long period of time greatly improved cognitive function in later years. For information, visit www.neurology.org.