Effect of an enriched drink on cognitive function in frail elderly persons.

Background: Many elderly persons report that they have difficulties learning new things and remembering names, plans, and conversations. Because decreased cognitive function in elderly persons is potentially related to their poor nutritional status, provision of essential nutrients may improve cognitive function. The authors wanted to determine whether consumption of an enriched drink, including moderate doses of all essential micronutrients, improves cognitive function in frail elderly persons.

Biochemical antioxidant levels respond to supplementation with an enriched drink in frail elderly people.

Objective: To investigate whether a drink enriched with essential vitamins and minerals can improve biochemical status of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in frail elderly people.

Methods: A six-month randomized, double blind, placebo controlled intervention study. Frail elderly people 65 years of age or older, with a body mass index (BMI) below 25 kg/m(2) and residing in a home for the elderly or in sheltered housing.