The influence of empirically derived dietary patterns on cognitive function in independent older adults depends on income and education: The NuAge Study

Abstract

This study prospectively examined the relationships between global cognitive function (Modified Mini‐Mental State examination; 3MS) and dietary patterns derived from a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire by principal components analysis. Relationships were examined using linear mixed models in 1266 independent senior citizens assessed annually over 4 years. After adjustment for health and socioeconomic variables, higher adherence to a ‘prudent’ diet pattern associated with better overall 3MS performance (P=0.046) while greater adherence to a ‘Western’ diet pattern associated with poorer overall 3MS performance (P=0.018). Nevertheless, diet patterns interacted with either household income (P<0.01) or education (P<0.01) in fully adjusted models. Specifically, income was related to rate of cognitive decline only in participants with below median prudent pattern score (P=0.015) such that higher income protected against 3MS decline from baseline in this group. The negative impact of Western pattern score on overall 3MS performance was apparent in participants with below median education (P<0.01), but absent in those with above median education. These results are consistent with cognitive reserve theory, and its proposed impact on cognitive performance in the elderly, suggesting that the influence of diet on cognition should be considered in this context. (CIHR)Grant Funding Source: CIHR