The Archives of Neurology, a publication of the American Medical Association, has reported on the lengthy study of almost 3,000 older persons, aged up to l02 years, concluding that "Vitamin E intake, from foods or supplements, is associated with less cognitive decline with age."

The long-term study was conducted by medical researchers at the Rush- Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago from 1993 to 2000, with a follow-up period of three years.

The researchers studied the relationship between mental abilities and intake of Vitamin E in 2,889 healthy persons aged from 65 to 102 years. Those who took the largest amount of Vitamin E, consuming about 258 milligrams a day, demonstrated 36 percent less memory loss than the test patients who took the least amount of Vitamin E, only 4.5 milligrams daily.

The five-member team of researchers also tested the effects of other antioxidants, Vitamin C and beta carotene, but said "there was little evidence of association with Vitamin C or carotene intake." Vitamin E, however, had a clear effect.

Previous studies have raised the possibility that antioxidants can protect against neurodegenerative diseases. The new study, according to the Washington Post, shows a "bottom line" that "people over 65 may wish to consult their physician to make sure they are getting at least the recommended amounts of Vitamin E through diets or supplements."