Mediterranean diet adherence and cognitive functioning in an Australian sample

Abstract

A Mediterranean diet is reported to promote longevity, reduce mortality, and may improve cognition. In a retrospective cross sectional study with 1183 Australians, aged 40–65 years, we examined relationships with Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence and self‐reported cognitive function and psychological well‐being. Dietary data were collected from a validated food frequency questionnaire and used to calculate mean intakes of foods included in a MedDiet and foods typically consumed in an Australian diet. Adherence to a MedDiet was determined based on an 11‐point scale. Measures of cognitive function and psychological well‐being included self‐esteem, anxiety, stress, memory functioning, cognitive failures, general health and physical function. 72% of the Australian sample had a medium (4–11 points) adherence to a MedDiet. Overall MedDiet adherence was not related to cognitive function. However intakes of plant foods, a major component of a MedDiet, was positively associated with measures of physical function (P=0.021) and general health (P<0.001), and negatively associated with trait anxiety (P=0.015), depression (P=0.012) and perceived stress (P=0.016). A substantial proportion of the diet in this Australian sample came from foods not typically consumed in a MedDiet. This is a major limitation when attempting to compare MedDiet adherence across populations.