Better Diet and More Exercise Are Not Enough to Improve Cognitive Function

Long-term Mediterranean and heart-healthy diets are associated with improved cognitive function, and some clinical trials of physical activity promotion also have resulted in improved function. Investigators now report the results of two randomized trials in which they examined the effects of diet supplementation and exercise interventions on cognition in older adults.

In the first study, researchers evaluated data from a trial of ω-3 fatty acids or lutein/zeaxanthin for preventing age-related macular degeneration; 3741 older adults (mean age, 73) were randomized to daily docosahexaenoic acid (350 mg) plus eicosapentaenoic acid (650 mg), daily lutein/zeaxanthin (10 mg/2 mg), both supplements, or double placebo. At a mean follow-up of 5 years…