Daily multivitamins may slow cognitive decline in older adults, study reveals

A daily multivitamin might help slow cognitive decline in older adults, according to new findings. The study suggests that basic nutritional support could preserve memory and mental sharpness as people age. With nearly one in four Americans at risk of cognitive decline by 2060, the results offer a simple and affordable approach to brain health. The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) followed over 5,000 Americans aged 60 and older for up to three years. Participants took either a standard multivitamin or a placebo. The supplement was a common pharmacy product, not a specialised ‘brain formula’ or expensive nootropic.

The multivitamin contained over 20 essential micronutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, and key minerals. Those in the multivitamin group showed measurable improvements in episodic memory and overall cognitive function. Global cognition, which covers general mental sharpness, also saw modest but meaningful gains. Researchers found that the benefits varied depending on participants’ starting nutritional status. People with existing nutrient deficiencies experienced the most noticeable improvements. On average, daily multivitamin use appeared to slow brain aging by roughly two years.

The study highlights how filling basic nutritional gaps could help maintain cognitive health in later life. While the effects were not dramatic, they were consistent and statistically significant. For older adults, a simple daily multivitamin may offer a low-cost way to support memory and mental function.