Exploring the Role of Dietary Copper in Cognitive Health Among Seniors

In a significant study published in the journal *Scientific Reports* on July 8, 2025, researchers explored the relationship between dietary copper intake and cognitive function in older adults in the United States. This study is particularly relevant as the global prevalence of dementia is projected to rise dramatically, with estimates suggesting that 152.8 million individuals will be affected by 2050 (Global Burden of Disease, 2022).

The research utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2014, which included 2,420 participants aged 60 and older. Researchers employed a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire to assess copper intake, categorizing participants into quartiles based on their daily copper consumption: Q1 (<0.76 mg/day), Q2 (0.76–1.04 mg/day), Q3 (1.05–1.43 mg/day), and Q4 (≥1.44 mg/day).

Dr. Wei Jia, a lead researcher from the Department of Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles, stated, "Our findings indicate a positive correlation between higher copper intake and improved cognitive performance, particularly in stroke survivors, suggesting that copper may have neuroprotective properties."

Cognitive function was assessed through various standardized tests, including the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Animal Fluency Test (AFT). Results showed that participants in the highest quartile of copper intake had significantly higher scores across cognitive assessments, except for immediate recall tasks.

The significance of these findings lies in the potential implications for dietary recommendations. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Neuroscience at Harvard University, emphasized, "Copper is an essential micronutrient that plays a vital role in neurotransmitter synthesis and cellular energy production. However, excessive copper can be neurotoxic, indicating a need for balance in dietary intake."

Interestingly, the study revealed a non-linear, L-shaped relationship between copper intake and cognitive performance, suggesting that while higher levels of copper can enhance cognitive function, there is a threshold beyond which additional copper does not confer further benefits. The inflection points were identified at 1.22 mg/day for global cognitive scores and 1.42 mg/day for verbal fluency assessments.

Despite these promising findings, the researchers caution that causality cannot be established through this observational study. Dr. Mark Thompson, a biostatistician at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, noted, "While our models accounted for various confounding factors, self-reported dietary data can introduce biases that may limit the findings. Longitudinal studies are necessary to further explore this relationship."

Moreover, the study's implications extend beyond individual dietary choices; they highlight the importance of micronutrients in public health strategies aimed at preventing cognitive decline. As the population ages, understanding the role of nutrition in cognitive health becomes increasingly vital. For instance, Professor Laura Martinez, Director of the Nutritional Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Florida, argues, "Incorporating copper-rich foods like shellfish, nuts, and whole grains into diets can be an effective strategy to support cognitive health in aging populations."

In conclusion, while the association between dietary copper and cognitive function presents a compelling avenue for further research, it underscores the need to approach dietary supplementation with caution. As the scientific community seeks to elucidate the role of micronutrients in cognitive health, ongoing studies will be crucial in determining the optimal levels of dietary copper necessary for maintaining cognitive function in older adults. The findings of this study contribute to a growing body of literature that emphasizes the potential of dietary interventions in mitigating the impacts of dementia and cognitive decline. Further longitudinal research will be essential to establish definitive causal relationships and inform public health guidelines.

**References:** 1. Jia, W., Zhu, K., Shi, J., & Yong, F. (2025). Association between dietary copper intake and cognitive function in American older adults: NHANES 2011–2014. *Scientific Reports*. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-09280-9. 2. Global Burden of Disease Study. (2022). *The Lancet*.