Blood Sodium Levels May Affect Cognition in Older Adults

In generally healthy older men, slightly lower sodium levels in the blood were related to both cognitive impairment and declines in cognitive function over time.

Blood sodium levels may affect cognition in older adults. Image credit: tasnimnews.com (CC BY 4.0)

A new study from University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has found that lower level of sodium in the blood -- known as hyponatremia -- is linked with declines in cognitive function with advancing age.

Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium level in the blood falls below 135 mmol/L. Mild hyponatremia was once thought to be asymptomatic, but recent studies suggest that it may be associated with higher risks of attention deficits, gait disturbances, falls, cardiovascular events, and even premature death.

Severe hyponatremia has been linked with cognitive impairment and neurological disturbances, but the association between different levels of serum sodium and cognition in older adults had been uncertain.

The researchers found that slightly lower sodium levels in the blood were related to both cognitive impairment and declines in cognitive function over time. Compared with men with sodium levels of 141-142 mmol/L, men with levels of 126-140 mmol/L were 30% more likely to have cognitive impairment at baseline and 37% more likely to experience cognitive decline over time.

The investigators also found an association of high serum sodium (143-153 mmol/L) with cognitive decline over time.

Slightly lower sodium levels in the blood are likely to be unnoticed in clinical practice. Because both slightly lower serum sodium levels and mild changes in cognitive function are common occurrences with advancing age, future research on this topic is important -- including determining whether correcting lower sodium levels affects cognitive function. (Tasnim News Agency)

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