Dietary nutrient intake and cognitive function in the Age‐Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2

Abstract Introduction The objective was to analyze associations between dietary intake of multiple nutrients and altered cognitive function and/or decline. Methods Observational analyses of participants ( n = 6334) in two randomized trials of nutritional supplements for age‐related macular degeneration: Age‐Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2. Results In AREDS, for 4 of 38 nutrients examined, higher intake quintiles were significantly associated with decreased risk of cognitive impairment on the Modified Mini‐Mental State test (<80): β‐carotene, copper, docosahexaenoic acid, and insoluble fiber. In AREDS2, for 13 of 44 nutrients, higher intake quintiles were associated with decreased risk on the Telephone Interview Cognitive Status‐Modified (<30). Rate of cognitive decline over up to 10 years was not significantly different with higher intake of any nutrient. Discussion Higher dietary intake of multiple nutrients, including specific vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, fatty acids, and fiber, was associated with lower risk of cognitive impairment but not slower decline in cognitive function.