Cross‐sectional comparison of psychosocial and executive function outcomes between low and high adherers of the MIND diet in a sample of middle‐aged Latinos

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIt is estimated the number of Latinos with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) will reach 3.5 million by 2060.1 Evidence suggests that lifestyle factors, such as adhering to diets like the Mediterranean‐type diet and the Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet may be associated with lower risk of AD2, improved cognition3, and better psychosocial outcomes.4 The purpose of the present study was to compare psychosocial outcomes and executive function (EF) between low and high adherers of the MIND diet in middle‐aged Latinos.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted to assess MIND diet adherence, cognition, and psychosocial outcomes of middle‐aged Latinos. The MIND Diet consists of 15 food groups, 10 healthy food items and 5 unhealthy food items. Adherence to the MIND diet was assessed using the 114‐item Block 2005 Food Frequency Questionnaire.5 Frequency of consumption of each food item was assigned a score of 0,.5, or 1, scores ranged between 0‐15. MIND diet scores were dichotomized between low‐adherers (< 8.5) and high‐adherers (≥ 8.5). NIH Toolbox was used to assess psychosocial outcomes (stress, depressive symptoms, general life satisfaction, and loneliness). EF was measured as a composite score of the Trail Making6, Stroop7, Symbol Digit Modalities8, and word fluency9 cognitive tests. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare psychosocial outcomes and EF between low and high adherers.ResultData from 61 participants (Mage=58.6±8.7, MMMSE=27.93 ±2.28, 67% female) indicates that high‐adherers self‐reported significantly higher general life satisfaction (F[1,58] =11.16, p=.001, MSE=382.05, η 2=0.19) and lower stress levels (F[1,58]=3.88, p=.05, MSE=146.25, η 2=0.06). However, no significant differences between low and high adherers were detected for depressive symptoms, loneliness, or EF.ConclusionFindings suggest that middle‐aged Latinos adhering to the MIND diet exhibit lower levels of stress and higher general life satisfaction. However, no difference was detected in depressive symptoms and EF. Future interventions should consider culturally‐tailoring the MIND diet to increase adherence and acceptability of it to improve psychological distress and cognitive function among middle‐aged Latinos to reduce the risk of AD.