Selenium Deficiency Related to Cognitive Decline
Lower selenium levels are related to cognitive decline in elderly individuals, according to a recently published study. The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the fifth leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older.
The subjects included 27 individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, 17 individuals with mild cognitive impairment, and 28 elderly subjects as the control group. The researchers measured plasma and red blood cell (erythrocyte) selenium levels.
Red blood cell selenium levels were lower in the Alzheimer’s disease group compared to the control group, but there was no significant difference from the mild cognitive impairment group. Plasma selenium levels were lower among the Alzheimer’s group compared to both the control group and the mild cognitive impairment group.
The researchers stated, “It is observed that erythrocyte Se decreases as cognition function does. Since erythrocyte reflects longer-term nutritional status, the data point to the importance of the relation between selenium exposure and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that the deficiency of selenium may contribute to cognitive decline among aging people.”
Reference:
Rita Cardoso B, et al. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2014 Aug 28.
