Baseline diet quality of participants in AU‐ARROW trial based on adherence to the MIND diet recommendations

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe Mediterranean‐Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (MIND) diet is rich in leafy green vegetables, legumes, berries, wholegrains, fish, nuts, and olive oil and low in red and processed meats and discretionary foods (high in saturated fat, added sugar and added salt). Following a MIND diet is associated with a reduction in risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The lifestyle intervention known as the AUstralian multidomain Approach to Reduce dementia Risk by prOtecting brain health With lifestyle intervention study (AU‐ARROW) is undergoing recruitment of participants. Here we report on the dietary quality of participants to date, based on their adherence to the MIND diet.MethodA self‐administered MIND diet questionnaire was completed by participants in the online REDCap platform as part of the screening surveys to determine participant eligibility into the AU‐ARROW trial. Eligible participants were required to have a ‘poor diet’, which was a MIND diet score of ≤9 out of a maximum MIND diet score of 14. Comparative statistical analyses were conducted to determine the differences in dietary quality between eligible and ineligible participants.ResultFrom the 39 participants who were screened to date, 16 participants were ineligible, and 23 were eligible. Ineligible participants had a higher total MIND diet score (mean = 10.5(SD = 0.6)) compared with eligible participants (mean = 7.5(SD = 1.8)). For ineligible participants, there was greater proportion adhering to MIND diet recommendations for fish, nuts, and poultry. No eligible participants adhered to MIND diet recommendations for leafy green vegetables, berries, and wholegrains. There was general compliance to recommendations for red meat and butter intake among both groups, but a smaller proportion of eligible participants adhered to the MIND diet recommendations for fried foods, sweets, and cheese, compared to ineligible participants.ConclusionOverall, improvements to the diet quality of both eligible and ineligible participants are required. Particularly for participants eligible to the AU‐ARROW trial, a focus on improving adherence to core food group recommendations are required not only for cognitive health but also for general health and prevention of other chronic diseases. Education and counselling from dietitians are critical for supporting participants in dietary behaviour change.