NIN Hyderabad Study Finds Cognitive Decline in Over One-Third of Older Adults

More than one in three older adults surveyed in Hyderabad showed signs of mild cognitive impairment, with researchers identifying a strong link between cognitive decline and deficiencies in essential vitamins, according to a study conducted by scientists at the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN).

The community-based cross-sectional study, published in the international journal Nutrients under the title 'Neuronal Biomarkers and Micronutrient Status in Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment', evaluated 184 adults aged 55 to 85 years from the city. The assessment revealed that 36.4% of participants suffered from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), an intermediate stage between normal ageing and dementia where individuals face measurable changes in memory and thinking abilities while remaining able to carry out daily activities independently.

Researchers evaluated cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and analysed blood samples for vitamins A, D, B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12. They also measured neuronal biomarkers, including beta-amyloid, total tau, neurofilament light chain, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), alongside anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.

The findings revealed that participants with MCI had lower blood levels of several micronutrients, including vitamins D, B1, B2, B6, B9, and B12. Deficiencies in vitamins D, B2, and B9 were particularly prevalent among the MCI group. In addition, participants with MCI exhibited significantly higher blood glucose levels and elevated systolic blood pressure, while higher levels of vitamins, especially D and B6, were associated with better cognitive performance.

"While further studies and trials are needed to establish causality and assess the impact of nutrient supplementation, these findings underscore the value of early nutritional assessment and timely interventions as part of healthy ageing strategies," said G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Scientist and Head of the biochemistry division at ICMR-NIN, who led the research.

ICMR-NIN Director Bharati Kulkarni stated that healthy ageing requires attention to both disease management and nutritional well-being, emphasising the need to maintain adequate micronutrient status to support cognitive health.