Mushroom intake and cognitive performance among US older adults: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2014

Abstract

Emerging evidence has suggested that mushrooms, which are a rich source of the potent antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione as well as vitamin D, may have neuroprotective properties. This study investigated the association between mushroom consumption and cognitive performance in a nationally representative sample of US older adults. We analyzed data from older adults aged ≥ 60 years from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mushroom intake was measured using up to two 24-hour dietary recalls and was categorized into three groups (lowest, middle, and highest). Cognitive function tests included the Animal Fluency Test (AF); Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Delayed Recall (CERAD-DR) and Word Learning (CERAD-WL); and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Multivariable linear regression models were developed, adjusting for socio-demographics, major lifestyle factors, self-reported chronic diseases, and dietary factors, including the Healthy Eating Index-2015 score and total energy. The study included 2,840 participants. Compared with the lowest category of mushroom intake, participants in the highest category (median intake = 13.4 g /1000 kcal/d) had higher scores for DSST (β = 3.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30, 7.45; P for trend=0.03) and CERAD-WL (β = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.0003, 2.10; P for trend=0.04). Similar non-significant trends were observed for AF (β = 0.24; 95% CI: −2.26, 2.73; P for trend=0.92) but not for the CERAD-DR. Greater mushroom intake was associated with certain cognitive performance tests, suggesting regular mushroom consumption may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. More research is needed to explore these associations further.

The relationship between mushroom consumption and cognitive performance among middle-aged and older adults: a cross-sectional study

“…9 A cross-sectional study using a nationally representative sample including 2840 US older adults indicated that the highest category of mushroom intake had higher scores on DSST and CERAD-WL when compared to the lowest category of mushroom intake. 11 Another cross-sectional study, including 663 participants aged 60 and above in Singapore, showed a negative relationship between mushroom consumption and MCI, 10 the participants consuming mushrooms >2 portions per week had a reduced risk of MCI (OR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.23–0.78) as compared with those consuming mushroom <1 portion per week. One cross-sectional study also examined the relationship between mushrooms and several cognitive tests among 2031 older participants, and a positive association was found for the digit symbol test and the abridged version of the controlled oral word association test.…”

“…10 Another study among US adults also showed that higher mushroom intake was related to better cognitive performance in the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word Learning (CERAD-WL). 11 A placebo-controlled, clinical trial proved the protective effect of the mushroom extract on cognitive function in patients with MCI. 12 The experiments in vitro also indicated that mushroom could inhibit the BACE1 activity and improve memory in mice.…”

Low Plasma Ergothioneine Predicts Cognitive and Functional Decline in an Elderly Cohort Attending Memory Clinics

“…In humans, several cross-sectional observational studies have revealed a significant decline in ET levels in patients with MCI, AD, VaD, and other neurocognitive disorders [ 11 , 27 , 28 , 45 , 46 ]. Corroborating the observations from animal studies, several cohort studies have shown improvements in cognitive functions and reduced risk of developing cognitive impairments with dietary intake of mushrooms, known as one of the richest sources of ET [ 13 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Only one clinical study based in France has reported evidence of a link between peripheral ET and longitudinally assessed global cognitive decline [ 31 ]; however, this is the first study to comprehensively analyze the association between peripheral ET levels and individual cognitive domains as well as with known risk factors of cognitive decline (e.g., CeVD and brain atrophy).…”

Association of Mushrooms and Algae Consumption with Mortality among Chinese Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

“…Several observational studies have shown that higher intakes of mushrooms and algae were associated with lower risks of cancer [ 11 ], hypertension [ 12 ], type 2 diabetes [ 13 ], hyperuricemia [ 14 ], and cognitive impairment [ 15 ]. A recent meta-analysis including five prospective studies reported an inverse association between mushrooms intake and total mortality [ 16 ], although inconsistent findings were observed across studies.…”