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September 18, 2024 — A recent study published in the September 18, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that adherence to the MIND diet may be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment. This study, led by Dr. Russell P. Sawyer from the University of Cincinnati, highlights the potential benefits of dietary changes in delaying cognitive decline, particularly among older adults.
The MIND diet, a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, emphasizes the consumption of green leafy vegetables, whole grains, berries, and fish, while limiting red meat, sweets, and fried foods. The diet’s components aim to support brain health and may offer a practical approach to mitigating the effects of aging on cognition.
Study Overview
The research involved 14,145 participants with an average age of 64, including 70% white and 30% Black individuals, who were followed for an average of 10 years. Participants completed a dietary questionnaire, and their adherence to the MIND diet was scored on a scale of 0 to 12 based on specific dietary habits.
Participants were categorized into three groups based on their MIND diet adherence scores: low (average score of 5), middle (average score of 7), and high (average score of 9). The study measured thinking and memory skills at the beginning and end of the study period.
Findings
Cognitive impairment developed in 12% of the low diet group, 11% of the middle group, and 10% of the high diet group. After adjusting for age, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the high diet group exhibited a 4% lower risk of cognitive impairment compared to the low diet group.
Gender-based analysis revealed that female participants who adhered closely to the MIND diet experienced a 6% reduced risk of cognitive impairment, while no significant risk reduction was observed among male participants. Furthermore, participants who closely followed the MIND diet showed a slower rate of cognitive decline, with a more pronounced effect observed in Black participants compared to white participants.
Implications and Limitations
Dr. Sawyer emphasized the potential of the MIND diet to offer a practical strategy for delaying cognitive issues. However, the study’s limitation lies in its focus on older Black and white populations, suggesting that the results may not be generalizable to other demographic groups.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute on Aging.
Conclusion
While the study does not establish causation, it underscores the association between the MIND diet and reduced cognitive decline risk. Further research is needed to explore the diet’s effects across different populations and its potential to contribute to cognitive health.
For more detailed information, see the study published in Neurology here.
