title: Dietary phytoestrogen intake and cognitive function in older women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aging is associated with a decline in cognitive function; we explored the possible influence of dietary phytoestrogens on this decline.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional study in 301 Dutch women aged 60-75 years. Dietary isoflavone and lignan intake was assessed with a food-frequency questionnaire covering habitual diet in the year preceding enrolment. The endpoints were cognitive function measured in three domains: memory, processing capacity and speed, and executive function. Data were analyzed using linear regression models, after adjusting for confounders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No association between dietary isoflavone intake and cognitive function was found. High lignan intake was associated with a better performance in processing capacity and speed, and in executive function (p for trend over quartiles =.01 and.02, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This finding calls for further research to elucidate the relatively underexplored role of lignans within the range of phytoestrogens.
authors.affiliation: Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Sanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kreijkamp-Kaspers
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kok
authors.forename: Diederick E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Grobbee
authors.forename: Edward H F
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: de Haan
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aleman
authors.forename: Yvonne T
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: van der Schouw
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D017705:Lignans / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D017698:Postmenopause; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D007529:Isoflavones; D017705:Lignans; D048789:Phytoestrogens