Dementia, characterized by the erosion of cognitive functions crucial for daily living, increasingly poses a public health challenge. Its precursors, such as general cognitive deterioration and mild cognitive impairment, often manifest long before the full onset of the condition. Strategies that can successfully stave off or postpone these early warning signs may hold the key to diminishing the risk of developing full-blown dementia.
Evidence from several studies draws an intriguing connection between dietary habits and cognitive health maintenance. Notably, diets like the Mediterranean — rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins — and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan, which aims to combat high blood pressure, have been associated with a sustained cognitive function.
Blending the optimal components of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, the MIND diet — an acronym for the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay — is specifically tailored to bolster brain health. Its focus lies on the intake of green leafy vegetables, varied vegetable types, berries as the chief fruit choice, and staples like whole grains, beans, nuts, and seafood at a minimum once every week. Concurrently, it recommends limiting the consumption of red meats, sugar-laden treats, cheeses, and processed fast foods.
Under the leadership of Dr. Russell P. Sawyer from the University of Cincinnati, a research ensemble probed the connection between the MIND diet and cognitive well-being, with a special focus on potential disparities across race — particularly Black and White Americans — and varying genders. Historically, Black participants have been underrepresented in dietary research related to cognitive health.
Tapping into the extensive data pool of REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), an ongoing NIH-endorsed investigation, the team sought insights into the heightened stroke prevalence and brain health issues within Black American communities. Out of the 30,000 individuals participating in REGARDS, around 14,000 presented robust evidence regarding their cognitive health and dietary habits, qualifying them for this novel analysis. These subjects were, on average, 64 years old at the outset of the study and demonstrated a demographic spread of 57% female, 70% White, and 30% Black participants, over an approximate 10-year follow-up.
Participants were scored on the extent to which their self-reported dietary practices reflected the MIND diet principles. Cognitive health was scrutinized both at inception and conclusion of the study period, with the findings disseminated in the journal Neurology as of September 18, 2024.
Post adjustment for demographic and additional varying factors, the study elucidated that a higher congruence with the MIND diet correlates with a lower incidence of cognitive impairment and decelerated cognitive decline. Those most devoted to the diet protocol were found to have a 4% risk reduction for cognitive impairment in contrast to the least adherent group.
The inquiry further unveiled that women closely following the MIND diet had an 8% curtailed risk for cognitive deterioration, a benefit that did not extend to their male counterparts. Furthermore, the diet’s fidelity proved a more potent indicator of cognitive decline among Black participants as opposed to White.
In harmony with preceding research on the MIND diet and similar nutritional regimes concerning cognitive health, the findings here reiterate the suspected links yet also emphasize the necessity for future research dedicated to unearthing a deeper comprehension of healthy eating in the context of cognitive functionality.