High-Fat and Copper-Rich Diet, Increases Rates of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Filed in archive Studies on August 21, 2006

According to a study reported in the August issue of Archives of Neurology (one of the JAMA/Archives Journal), high copper intake in older adults with high saturated and trans fats-diet could be linked to accelerated rate of decline in thinking, learning and memory abilities.

While it is true that the micronutrients copper, zinc and iron are essential for brain development and function, an imbalance of these metals may contribute to the development of brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Fat intake, especially that of saturated and trans fats, have been linked in previous studies to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive difficulties.

This recent study from the Institute for Healthy Aging at Rush University Medical Center found that the consumption of copper in drinking water could amplify the degenerative effects of a high-fat diet on rabbit brains.

The dietary recommended allowance of copper for adults is .9 milligrams per day.

Organ meats, such as liver, and shellfish are the foods with the highest copper levels, followed by nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, potatoes, chocolate and some fruits. Copper pipes may also add trace amounts of the metal to drinking water.

Iron and zinc, however, did not show any effects on cognitive decline in interaction with a high-fat diet.

"This finding of accelerated cognitive decline among persons whose diets were high in copper and saturated and trans fats must be viewed with caution," the authors conclude.

"The supporting evidence on this topic is limited. The strength of the association and the potential impact on public health warrant further investigation."

Source: Rush University Medical Center