Relative Efficacy of a Nutritional Intervention on Cognitive Performance Across the Adult Lifespan and During Early Cognitive Decline

A nutritional supplement has maintained or improved cognitive performance for healthy adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Performance varied between 93 healthy adults aged 18–73 years versus 43 aged 75–85 years and among individuals with MCI. Healthy adult performance was stratified by age and for MCI as “intact” or “impaired” (Dementia Rating Scale guidelines). Some older individuals performed as well as younger individuals. All intact individuals with MCI maintained baseline performance; only impaired individuals receiving the supplement maintained baseline performance. Variation among elderly individuals can preclude observation of efficacy. Supplementation may maintain rather than improve performance for some individuals.