A diet high in vitamin E may help slow decline in mental functioning among seniors as well as reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers in Chicago.

"Vitamin E intake, from foods or supplements, is associated with less cognitive decline with age," the researchers reported in the Archives of Neurology.

The same team reported earlier that a diet high in vitamin E foods may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by nearly 70 percent (see earlier Alzheimer Week story).

In their latest report, the researchers said they studied 2,889 men and women aged 65 to 102, who were given an initial battery of mental function tests and followed for an average of 3 years.

According to the findings, the group who had the highest intake of vitamin E had a 36 percent lower decline in mental function than those whose intake of vitamin E foods and supplements was the lowest.

While the researchers reported that vitamin E supplements appeared to help those who did not take sufficient vitamin E from foods in their diet, they said supplements might not be helpful for those otherwise getting enough vitamin E.

They also reported they found "little evidence" in their study that either vitamin C or caratone intake help with mental function.

Other Sources: Archives of Neurology