Delaying Cognitive Decline Through Dietary Approaches and Evidence‐based Practices

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) disproportionately impact African Americans compared to non‐Hispanic Whites. Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, may contribute toward this difference. Health campaigns tailored to these populations related to healthy lifestyle choices, such as the cognitive benefits seen with the MIND diet (Mediterranean‐dietary approaches to stop hypertension, Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) paired with evidence‐based guidelines, may improve self‐efficacy related to healthy behaviors. Utilizing the constructs of the Integrative Model, this study examines behavior change intention after an intervention using a health campaign encouraging MIND diet compliance and evidence‐based healthy aging guidelines.MethodsThis study implemented a culturally tailored health campaign related to healthy brain aging and an educational workshop led by experts in nutrition, Alzheimer’s disease, and behavioral science with older African American adults at a local faith‐based center. Upon completion of the workshop, participants completed select items of the 36‐Item Short Form Survey Instrument (SF‐36) and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ). Analyses of demographic and frequency reports illustrate likelihood to follow through with MIND diet principles.ResultsEighty‐five percent of participants (N = 20) reported little to no knowledge of the health campaign content prior to this study. Following the workshop, all participants reported that they were likely (66.7%) or very likely (33.3%) to incorporate principles learned from the evidence‐based workshop at home. Further, 71.4% reported being confident to follow the diet at home with an additional 28.6% of participants being very confident.ConclusionCulturally tailored health campaigns play an integral role in nutrition education, healthy aging, and lifestyle modification for ADRD reduction in the African American community. This approach enabled communication of evidence‐based practices of dietary modifications, cognition, and brain health as a mechanism to increase knowledge and self‐efficacy to carry out healthier behaviors at home. Community‐based nutrition education utilizing culturally appropriate health messages has potential to improve lifestyle behaviors, health disparities, and reduction of ADRD among African American older adults. Larger pragmatic, and implementation‐based studies using community‐engaged methods are needed to increase evidence and reach of this approach specific for aging African American adults.