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The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 30 million patients in the world with this disease, and its growth doubles every 5 years.
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The mortality rate in the United States was 37 per 100 thousand inhabitants during the year 2019.
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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and 1 in 3 seniors dies with the disease or another form of dementia.
New research shows that taking daily supplements can improve cognition in older adults. The researchers estimate that three years of multivitamin supplementation translated into roughly a 60% slowdown in cognitive decline.
The findings were published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. Researchers led by Laura D. Baker and Mark Espeland, professors of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, highlight the need for safe and affordable interventions to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.
During the study, it was investigated whether taking daily supplements of cocoa extract or a multivitamin with minerals reduces the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, cancer, as well as deterioration in cognition in the elderly.
According to researcher Baker, cocoa extract is rich in compounds called flavanols, previous research suggests that these compounds may have a positive impact on cognition. She also said that various micronutrients as well as minerals are needed to support normal body and brain function, and deficiencies in older adults can increase the risk of cognitive decline along with dementia.
More than 2,200 participants aged 65 years and older were enrolled and followed up for 3 years. The participants completed tests by phone at baseline and annually to assess memory and other cognitive abilities.
The research results showed that “although cocoa extract did not affect cognition, daily supplementation with multivitamins and minerals resulted in statistically significant cognitive improvement,” Baker said.
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