Many problems associated with growing older interfere with adequate diet and nutrition. Nutrition plays an important role in memory. Problems in nutrition range from social to physical.

Social factors:

• Older individuals have lost a spouse and now live alone.

Physical factors:

• Appetite usually decreases as we age.
• Physical changes such as dental changes may interfere with food selection.
• Most nutritional loss is attributed to absorption problems in advanced age.
  • Drugs are the primary cause for absorption problems.
  • A decrease in hydrochloric acid secretion in the small bowel .3

NOTE: Nutrition should be discussed with the Primary Care Physician before making any changes; however, attention should be given to B Vitamins and Antioxidants.

B Vitamins

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) directly effect memory .
• Niacin (Vitamin B3) directly effect memory and require important consideration in regard to healthy aging.
• Deficiency in Vitamin B12 may contribute to memory loss. 17
• Folate levels decrease as we age, it is the most common vitamin deficiency in older people. The protection that Folate offers is to decreased homocysteine levels, an amino acid that is toxic to nerve cells. Decreased homocysteine levels result in a reduced risk of stroke . 18

Antioxidants

• Vitamin C and vitamin E may provide protective effect, especially for women. 19
• Antioxidants fight free radicals. Free radicals attack cells and cause damage due to oxidation.
• The most benefit is found for neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. 20,21

NOTE: Vitamin C is water soluable. Vitamin E is not water soluable and may build to a toxic level. 22