Micronutrient status and cognitive decline in ageing

Nutrition appears, with exercise and social activities, as a key element of healthy aging. Numerous epidemiological studies and interventional trials have strongly suggested a link, in aging, between an adequate nutritional status and health. Cognitive functions, which tend to decline with age, may have special benefits from nutrition, and particularly in adequate micronutrients intake. All nutrients are useful for the brain. Glucose is indispensable for brain metabolism, aminoacids for neuro-mediators, and fatty acids for neuronal membranes and, with fatty acids, micronutrients, which are vitamins, minerals and trace-elements are indispensable for function. If we consider that nutritional status and mental health are known to be main factors involved in health and quality of life in elderly people, micronutrients are a main part of this nutritional status and we will discuss those which have a special interest in brain, such as antioxidant vitamins and trace-elements. And we will focus their requirements and the risk of their deficiencies.