Posted on 07/25/2025 10:03:52 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Stages of dementia are marked by declines in memory and executive function. Previous research has examined whether micronutrient levels may relate to cognitive resilience.
Copper is an essential trace element that participates in neuronal energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and antioxidant regulation.
A cohort of 2,420 participants aged 60 years or older was selected from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). All participants had complete data on dietary intake and cognitive function.
Dietary copper intake was derived from two averaged 24-hour dietary recalls. Cognitive function was measured using four instruments: the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), the immediate and delayed recall subtests of the CERAD protocol, and a composite Z score reflecting global cognition. Copper intake was stratified into quartiles.
Multivariate linear regression models were used to test associations. In the fully adjusted model, participants in the highest copper intake quartile (Q4, ≥1.44 mg/day) had higher scores than those in the lowest quartile (Q1, <0.76 mg/day): DSST (β=3.80, 95% CI 1.90, 5.70), AFT (β=1.23, 95% CI 0.48, 1.99), CERAD-DRT (β=0.47, 95% CI 0.15, 0.80), and Z score (β=0.20, 95% CI 0.10, 0.29). No statistically significant association with CERAD-IRT was found in the fully adjusted model (β=0.58, 95% CI −0.06, 1.22).
Participants in the higher copper intake quartiles were more likely to be male, non-Hispanic white, married, and higher income, with lower smoking prevalence and more favorable nutritional profiles, including higher intake of zinc, iron, selenium, and total energy.
Spline-based regression modeling showed an inverted L-shaped association between copper intake and DSST, AFT, and Z score. Cognitive test performance improved with copper intake up to thresholds of 1.63 mg/day (DSST), 1.42 mg/day (AFT), and 1.22 mg/day (Z score).
Authors conclude that copper intake was associated with better cognitive function test scores in older adults.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
In my 20s as a female, I was usually anemic. My doctor prescribed iron. Did not do much good. Early thirties read that Vitamins E and C would be good for my varicose veins issue that was developing. The bad veins went away and the anemia went away. Book said with deficiency red blood cells might just live 85 days, with the Vitamin E for 115 days. Now 50 years later I still take those 2 vitamins and a lot of other supplements. Health and strength good for my age.
:)
Are you giving the zinc figures for elemental zinc or for zinc compounds like zinc oxide or zinc picolinate. I take 50 mg. zinc oxide with 500 mg. Quercetin for daily Covid prevention. I think that is about 20 mg. of elemental zinc.
Gonna need more lobster!
I am giving the zinc elemental amounts.
Makes sense on a basic level, copper is a great conductor of energy and hence, information.... Better wiring means better cognizance. Just my $.02.
Bkmk
So they want to get rid of pennies.
That I chew on, in my old age.
You’ll never take me alive, Copper!
Instead of chewing on licorice you can chew on copper wire.
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