According to new research, a Vitamin C deficiency may affect nerve and cognition signaling in the brain making it a possible risk factor for cognitive impairment.
160 individuals 75 years and above participated in this trial. Researchers assessed both Vitamin C levels and the cognitive function of the participants. Cognitive status was accessed using the MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) and the CDT (Clock Drawing Test). The MMSE uses a 30 point scale and looks at visuospatial function (1 point), language, both written and verbal (8 points), concentration and attention (5 points), memory, recall, and registration (6 points), and orientation, both spatial and temporal (10 points). CDT was used in addition of the MMSE since studies show the CDT is both highly sensitive and very specific in its ability to detect mild dementia. Additionally the CDT is reasonably accurate in its ability to separate individuals with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) from healthy individuals. The CDT was administered by providing the participants with a pre-drawn circle on a piece of paper. Participants were than instructed to draw an analogue clock including the numbers. Participants were then told to set the clock hand to a specified time of 10 minutes past the 11:00 hour. The CDT test calls on participants to display language comprehension, numerical knowledge, attention, motor function, executive function, and visuospactial ability. Participants score were based on simple subjective qualitative interpretation of clock drawing as either normal (error free) or abnormal (with error).
The combination of the two tests enhances the viability of the testing making the 2 tests more accurate in detecting dementia.
Approximately 57 % of the participants were found to have some cognitive impairment while 26% (42) of participants were found to be Vitamin C deficient with serum Vitamin C levels below 11 micromol/L, which is below the point where Scurvy could develop. Scurvy symptoms were found to be present among participants with or without a Vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency, bleeding, skin issues, and bruising, are often found in older individuals making it more difficult to diagnose a Vitamin C deficiency. When compared with the participants who did not have a Vitamin C deficiency, this study showed that a Vitamin C deficiency was associated with cognitive impairment. A causal result could not be proven but the study did show that Vitamin C deficiency is very common and was linked with cognitive impairment.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that over 6 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and 12 – 18% of Americans over the age of 60 have some form of MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment).
Vitamin C accumulates in the central nervous system and brain neurons contain especially high levels. In addition to its antioxidant functions, Vitamin C has many non-antioxidant functions as well, like reducing metal ions in the brain. A Vitamin C deficiency can lead to oxidative damage to the macromolecules in the brain.
Further research is planned.
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