Hyderabad: A study by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad has found significant links between low levels of key vitamins and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among older adults.MCI is a condition in which a person experiences changes in memory or thinking abilities, but can still largely carry out daily activities independently. It is considered an intermediate stage between normal ageing and dementia.Published in the journal Nutrients, doctors examined 184 adults aged 55 to 85 years from Hyderabad during the study. Researchers assessed cognitive function and analysed blood samples for vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12, along with neuronal biomarkers.The study found that 36.4% of participants had MCI. Those with MCI had lower blood levels of vitamins D, B1, B2, B6, B9 and B12. Deficiencies of vitamins D, B2 and B9 were particularly common among the MCI group.Participants with MCI also had significantly higher blood sugar levels and higher systolic blood pressure. Higher levels of vitamins D and B6 were associated with better cognitive performance.Researchers said the findings highlighted the importance of early nutritional assessment and timely intervention among older adults. However, they noted that further longitudinal studies and controlled trials are needed to establish whether correcting vitamin deficiencies can prevent or reduce cognitive decline.Dr Bharati Kulkarni, NIN director, said maintaining adequate micronutrient status and strengthening early nutritional assessment could help support cognitive health and healthy ageing.
