Coenzyme Q10 Levels Associated With Cognitive Functioning and Executive Function in Older Adults

Brain deterioration with age is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress that result in structural and functional changes. Recent studies have indicated that coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is associated with neurological oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. Studies with older people have shown a relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and CoQ(10) levels. However, no studies have analyzed the relationship between CoQ(10) and cognitive functioning in older adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between CoQ(10) and cognitive functioning in an older adult sample, controlling for other factors that may influence aging, such as the level of physical activity and nutritional status. The sample consisted of 64 older adults aged 65-99 years (76.67 +/- 8.16 years), among whom 48 were women (75%). The participants were recruited among those who attended community centers to voluntarily participate in leisure activities. According to previous studies, physical activity and nutritional status are positively associated with cognitive functioning. However, the main finding of this study was that plasma CoQ(10), controlling for other measures, was significantly associated with cognitive functioning and executive function. The current findings suggest that a decline in cognitive capacities may be related to reduced antioxidant defenses, as reflected by low CoQ(10) levels in older adults.