title: Influence of nutrition on cognitive function in a group of elderly, independently living people.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the differences in cognitive status with respect to food habits and energy and nutrient intake in a group of non institutionalised, elderly people.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study subjects were independently living, elderly people who spent some of their time at day centres in the Comunidad de Madrid (the Madrid region). The study centres were selected by the Madrid City Hall.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included 168 elderly people aged 65-90 y. All accepted the invitation to participate, met all inclusion criteria, and were free of significant cognitive impairment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dietary intake was monitored using a 'food record' for 7 consecutive days including a Sunday. In addition, the 'precise individual weighing' method was used for 5 days in order to monitor the meals taken by the subjects at the centres' canteens. Cognitive capacity was measured using Folstein's mini-mental state examination (MMSE), validated for the Spanish population.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Subjects with an adequate cognitive capacity (MMSE>/=28) showed a greater intake of total foods, fish, and alcoholic drinks, but took less foods from the 'various' group (chocolates, cakes, etc). These subjects had a more adequate intake of fatty acids and cholesterol, and a greater intake of vitamins implicated in correct brain function (thiamine, folic acid, vitamin C).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Subjects with satisfactory intellectual function generally had a better diet. This shows the importance of correct nutrition in its maintenance.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Nutrición, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Requejo
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Ortega
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Robles
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Navia
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faci
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aparicio
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015930:Diet Records; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D013030:Spain; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D008055:Lipids; D014815:Vitamins; D002784:Cholesterol