Impact of Antioxidants, Zinc, and Copper on Cognition in the Elderly: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Publication Type
Journal Article
Year of Publication
2004
Authors
Yaffe, K; Clemons, T; McBee, W; Lindblad, A; The Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group
Secondary
Neurology
Volume
63
Start Page
1705
Pagination
1705-1707
Date Published
11/2004
Keywords
Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Beta Carotene; Cognition Disorders; Copper; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Vitamin E; Zinc
Abstract
Participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study were randomly assigned to receive daily antioxidants (vitamin C, 500 mg; vitamin E, 400 IU; beta carotene, 15 mg), zinc and copper (zinc, 80 mg; cupric oxide, 2 mg), antioxidants plus zinc and copper, or placebo. A cognitive battery was administered to 2,166 elderly persons after a median of 6.9 years of treatment. Treatment groups did not differ on any of the six cognitive tests (p > 0.05 for all). These results do not support a beneficial or harmful effect of antioxidants or zinc and copper on cognition in older adults.
URL
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15534261