Background: The association between Mediterranean-DASH diet Interventionfor Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet score and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) has been rarely investigated; therefore, the authors aim to investigate theassociation between MIND diet score and IBS odds. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 876 adult participants. Dietary intake wasevaluated using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). TheMIND diet score was calculated using FFQ. Furthermore, socio-economicstatus, anthropometric measures, and blood pressure were recorded by a trainedinterviewer, using standard methods. Finally, logistic regression was used toinvestigate the association between MIND diet and IBS. Results: The mean ageof the participants was 30.9 years. Being the last quantile of MIND diet scorewas associated with 19% lower odds of IBS in crude model. Also, a significantassociation was seen in the fully adjusted model; such that individuals in the topcategory of MIND diet score were 27% less likely to have IBS compared withthose in the bottom category. Conclusions: In summary, the authors presentedevidence showing a negative association between adherence to the MIND dietand odds of IBS. Ultimately, because of the likely preventive influence of diet,it is essential to elucidate the relationship between diet and IBS via extensiveprospective cohort studies in the future.

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and the odds of anxiety and depression among patients with IBS. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 in three university- affiliated centers in Iran. A total of 262 IBS patients aged 18–60 (168 males, 94 females; mean age 29.72 ± 10.19 years) were recruited based on the Rome III criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire, and MIND diet scores were calculated. Anxiety was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for anxiety and depression across MIND diet score tertiles, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Higher adherence to the MIND diet was significantly associated with lower odds of both anxiety (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53–0.89, P=0.005) and depression (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59–0.91, P=0.006) in IBS patients. Additionally, an inverse relationship was observed between MIND diet adherence and the severity of IBS symptoms (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52–0.94, P=0.02). Conclusion: Greater adherence to the MIND diet was associated with reduced odds of anxiety and depression, as well as lower severity of IBS symptoms. Further prospective and interventional studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Background: The Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) study was a 3-year randomized controlled trial to test the effects of the MIND diet on cognitive decline in individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Here we examine whether genetic differences in (a) AD predisposition and (b) nutrient metabolism modify the effect of MIND on cognitive change. Methods: This secondary analysis included 494 trial participants of genetically inferred European ancestry with genetic data. Genetic scores (GS) were derived from prior genome-wide studies of AD and nutrient biomarkers. Linear regression and linear mixed models were used to examine the main effects of GS and interactions with diet assignment on cognition. An exploratory genome-wide interaction analysis was also performed. Results: We observed a statistically significant interaction (p = 0.002) between the COMT Val158Met variant and diet assignment for the 3-year change in perceptual speed. Met/Met (lower enzyme activity) carriers’ perceptual speed improved more on the MIND than the control diet, while no difference by diet was observed for Val carriers. Conclusions: Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) metabolizes catecholamines as well as polyphenols unique to the MIND diet. Individuals with genetically impaired COMT activity may be especially responsive to the cognitive benefits of the MIND diet.

BackgroundThe protective effects of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet against cognitive impairment have been well-established in European and North American populations. However, due to differences in dietary patterns, evidence from cohort studies on the association between the currently adapted MIND diet and cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults remains limited, and a causal relationship has yet to be determined.MethodsA total of 8326 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) participants were included in this study. The Chinese version of the Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (cMIND) diet scores ranged from 0 to 12 based on validated food frequency questionnaire responses. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess associations between cMIND diet and cognitive impairment in older adults. Restricted cubic spline plots were used to assess the linear relationship between cMIND and cognitive impairment.ResultsThe study found a significant nonlinear relationship between cMIND diet and cognitive impairment (P-overall < 0.001, P-non-linearity = 0.021). Compared with elderly people on a low-level cMIND diet, olders people on a high-level diet had a lower risk of developing cognitive impairment (HR = 0.79, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that a high-level cMIND diet provided stronger protective effects for males (HR = 0.75, P < 0.001), rural residents (HR = 0.72, P < 0.001), and younger elderly individuals (HR = 0.71, P = 0.004).ConclusionHigh adherence to the cMIND diet effectively reduces the risk of cognitive impairment in the Chinese elderly population, with enhanced protective effects observed specifically in males, those residing in rural areas, and younger elderly individuals.

A short FFQ was developed for online assessment of adherence to the Dutch Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND-NL) diet, a culturally adapted version of the original American MIND diet. This study aimed to evaluate the relative validity of this short FFQ for assessing adherence to the MIND-NL diet, as scored by the MIND-NL score, compared with 3-d food records among community-dwelling older adults at risk of cognitive decline (n 1078; 67·4 (sd 4·6) years; 64 % female). A combination of statistical methods was used to assess the relative validity: presence of bias by Bland-Altman analysis; strength of association with Kendall's Tau-b and Spearman correlation coefficients and levels of agreement with Wilcoxon signed rank test, cross-classification and weighted Kappa (κ) statistics. The Kendall's Tau-b correlation for the MIND-NL score was 0·33 (95 % CI: 0·29, 0·37; de-attenuated Tau-b: 0·45). Individual MIND-NL diet component score correlations ranged from 0·05 to 0·56, with 12 out of 15 of the MIND-NL diet components adequately correlated (> 0·20). The average MIND-NL scores for the short FFQ (8·4 (sd 1·8) points) and food records (6·7 (sd 1·7) points) showed to be significantly different (P < 0·001). The Kappa (κ) coefficient for tertile classification of the MIND-NL score was 0·29 (95 % CI: 0·25, 0·33), indicating an acceptable level of agreement in ranking participants beyond chance. Acceptable agreements (κ > 0·20) were observed for 10 out of 15 MIND-NL diet components. Taking all analyses together, the short FFQ showed acceptable validity for ranking older adults at risk of cognitive decline according to their adherence to the MIND-NL diet.

BackgroundDespite established health benefits of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet in older populations, its relationship with muscle health remains largely unexplored. This study investigated associations between adherence to a Chinese-modified MIND diet and both low muscle mass (LMM) and physical performance among community-dwelling older Chinese adults.MethodsData were drawn from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), including 13,422 older adults. Muscle mass was assessed using a validated appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) prediction formula. Physical performance was evaluated using a four-item functional assessment scale in reference to SARC-F. The associations between Chinese version of the MIND (cMIND) diet adherence and outcomes were examined using multivariable logistic regression for LMM and linear regression for physical performance. Comprehensive subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess effect modification and result robustness.ResultsThe prevalence of LMM was 45.2% among participants. Higher cMIND diet scores demonstrated significant inverse associations with LMM probability across all analytical models. After full adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related confounders, participants in the highest tertile of cMIND adherence showed substantially lower odds of LMM compared to those in the lowest tertile (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.69–0.90). Similarly, better cMIND diet adherence was positively associated with higher physical performance score in multivariable models. These findings remained consistent across sensitivity analyses.ConclusionGreater adherence to the cMIND dietary pattern is independently associated with lower probability of LMM and better physical performance among older Chinese adults. These findings suggest potential benefits of promoting MIND diet principles for maintaining musculoskeletal health in aging populations.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40520-026-03325-3.

Abstract Background Sustained remission is a central therapeutic goal in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Emerging evidence highlights the potential of dietary patterns to improve disease activity and progression. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet has been associated with the risk of IBD onset, but its relevance for subsequent clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between MIND diet adherence and the risk of IBD-related surgery in a prospective cohort. Methods This study included 2,288 UK Biobank participants with a pre-baseline diagnosis of Crohn’s disease (CD, n = 777) or ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 1,511) who had completed at least one valid WebQ 24-hour dietary recall between 2006 and 2010. Dietary intake was assessed using the validated Oxford WebQ instrument, and adherence to the MIND diet was derived using a validated 15-component score comprising 10 beneficial and 5 detrimental food groups. Incident IBD-related surgery was identified through the UK National Health Service records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Kaplan-Meier curves and restricted cubic splines were used to characterise survival differences and dose–response relationships. Effect modification was examined in pre-specified subgroups, and multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess robustness. Results Over a median follow-up of 10.9 years, 166 incident IBD-related surgery cases occurred. Adherence to the MIND diet was comparable between patients with CD and UC (Figure 1A). Compared with the lowest tertile of MIND diet adherence, the highest tertile showed a 41% lower surgical risk in IBD (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.85, P = 0.005) and 56% in CD (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24-0.80, P = 0.008), while the middle tertile showed a protective trend in UC (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.36-1.04, P = 0.070, Figures 1B and 1C). A linear inverse association between the MIND diet and surgical risk was observed in CD (Pnon-linearity = 0.713), whereas the protective effect plateaued beyond a MIND score of 5.2 in UC (Pnon-linearity = 0.006, Figure 2A). Component-level analyses identified higher consumption of vegetables and lower intake of butter and fried foods as being independently associated with reduced surgical risk (Figure 2B). The inverse association was more evident in younger participants (P-interaction = 0.049, Figure 2C). Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of the results. Conclusion Greater adherence to the MIND diet is associated with a reduced risk of IBD-related surgery. These findings support that dietary modification based on the MIND diet could be a feasible dietary strategy to improve IBD prognosis. Conflict of interest: Sun, Yuhao: No conflict of interest Dan, Lintao: I have no COI related to submitted program Jiang, Zhuoyuan: No conflict of interest Qian, Yuxin: No conflict of interest Wellens, Judith: No conflict of interest Li, Xue: No conflict of interest Yao, Jialu: No conflict of interest Wang, Xiaoyan: No conflict of interest Magro, Fernando: No conflict of interest Dr. Chen, Jie: No conflict of interest

ABSTRACT Objectives Accumulative evidence links MIND diet with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but the connecting mechanisms remain unclear. We explored whether this dietary patterns and its components was associated with Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in dementia-free middle-life individuals. Methods 250 participants [65 (58, 73) years, 63.2% women] underwent neurological cognitive assessments and dietary assessment (through four 24-hour dietary recalls). Aβ concentrations were measured in cerebrospinal fluid samples. MIND diet adherence was examined both as a continuous variable and as a distribution-based categorical variable using quartiles (Q1–Q4), with higher quartiles reflecting higher adherence. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted using MIND diet adherence (continuous or quartile-based) as the independent variable and Aβ deposition as the dependent variable. Results Compared to lower MIND adherence (Q1), higher adherence (Q4) was associated with less pathological Aβ concentrations (OR = 0.431, 95% CI: 0.195–0.950, p = 0.037). Each 1-SD increase in adherence was associated with a 26% reduction in the odds of having pathological Aβ concentrations (OR = 0.736, 95% CI: 0.563–0.962, p = 0.025). Among MIND diet components, only leafy vegetables intake showed a significant association with Aβ burden (OR = 0.519, 95% CI: 0.277–0.972, p = 0.040, q = 0.485). Discussion These cross-sectional findings suggest a potential mechanism that may partially explain the association between MIND diet adherence and cognitive function. Ηowever, they should be interpreted with caution, as the study sample may not be representative of community-based populations. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this relationship.

BackgroundPost‐stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID) are common among stroke survivors, yet effective preventive strategies remain limited. The potential cognitive benefits of Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet for stroke survivors have not been fully revealed.MethodThe MIND Diet to Improve Cognitive Function in Mild Stroke Patients (MINDICOMS, NCT05921084) was a 26‐week, two‐arm pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of the MIND diet on cognitive function in patients with new‐onset mild stroke. We enrolled 60 patients aged 35–70 years with acute ischemic stroke and signs of cognitive impairment without dementia. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either standard care plus a MIND diet intervention or standard care alone. The intervention group additionally received Chinese‐adapted MIND diet education, a 7‐day in‐hospital whole meal provision, and a 26‐week food supply. MIND diet adherence was assessed using food frequency questionnaires at baseline and Week 26. The primary efficacy outcome was change in global cognition, measured by a neuropsychological battery at baseline, Week 13, and Week 26. Mixed‐effects models were used to estimate between‐group differences over time.ResultOf the 60 participants (mean age 57.9 years, 30% female), 53 and 54 completed assessments at Weeks 13 and 26, respectively. From baseline to Week 26, the MIND diet group showed a significant increase in MIND diet score versus a minor change in the control group (2.24 vs. ‐0.07; between‐group difference: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.32 to 3.31, p < 0.001). At Week 13, the MIND diet group improved more in global cognition than the control group (mean change from baseline: 0.615 vs. 0.367; difference: 0.249, 95% CI: 0.071 to 0.427, p = 0.007), which was widened at Week 26 (0.837 vs. 0.531; difference: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.128 to 0.485, p = 0.001). Findings from the extended 52‐week follow‐up will be presented at the conference.ConclusionA 26‐week MIND diet intervention improved diet quality and cognitive function in mild stroke patients. These findings support the feasibility and potential benefit of dietary strategies for cognitive health in stroke survivors and provide preliminary evidence supporting the need for future large‐scale trials.

BackgroundPlasma amyloid‐beta (Abeta) reflects brain amyloid pathology, with a lower plasma Abeta42/40 ratio linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). This study investigates the effect of the Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet on the longitudinal changes in plasma Abeta 42/40 levels.MethodMIND trial was a 3‐year, two‐site, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the MIND diet with a usual diet in 604 participants aged 65 to 85 years with a family history of dementia but without cognitive impairment, being overweight and with suboptimal diets at baseline; both diets promoted weight loss through mild caloric restriction. MIND diet intervention promoted 9 brain‐healthy food groups (e.g., green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries) and limited consumption of 5 unhealthy food groups (e.g., red and processed meats, fried foods). Multivariable‐adjusted linear mixed‐effect models with a random intercept were utilized to estimate the effect of dietary interventions on the rate of change in plasma Abeta42/40 levels during the 3‐year trial period.ResultOf 604 individuals enrolled in the trial, 598 had measured plasma levels of A 42 and 40 at the baseline and 504 (84.3%) at the end of the trial (year 3). The average (SD) age at enrollment was 70.4 (4.2) years; 388 (64.9%) were female, and 524 (87.6%) were white individuals. At the baseline, Abeta42/40 levels were similar in people randomized to the MIND diet group (mean = 0.069 pg/ml) and those in the control group (mean = 0.068 pg/ml). At year 3, Abeta42/40 levels decreased in the control group while remaining statistically unchanged in the MIND diet group. Compared to the individuals in the MIND diet group, those in the control group showed an average 2.8% decline in plasma Abeta42/40 levels (beta= ‐0.012; SE = 0.005; p‐value=0.024) over a 3‐year follow‐up period.ConclusionThis study showed that dietary intervention influences longitudinal changes in plasma Abeta 42/40 levels. Compared to the MIND diet group, individuals in the control group showed a modest decline in plasma Abeta 42/40 levels, suggesting that the MIND diet intervention may reduce Alzheimer's disease pathology in the brain and, potentially, the risk of ADRD.

BackgroundNeuroinflammation is a risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and cognitive decline in aging. Reactive microglia are the first response to neuroinflammation. In animal studies, long‐term exposure to a high‐fat diet enhances reactive microglia and cognitive impairment. Healthy diets, such as MIND (Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), are rich in antioxidant nutrients and are associated with slower cognitive decline among older persons. However, the link between diets with anti‐inflammatory properties and microglial inflammation in human brains is unknown. This study examines the association of the MIND diet and antioxidant nutrients with microglia in the hippocampus.MethodsAnalyses included 237 autopsied participants (age at death=91.2±6.1 years, 72% females, education = 15.3±2.8 years) from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, without known dementia, with hippocampal microglia data and complete dietary data over an average follow‐up of 7.2±4.4 years. The microglia burden in the mid‐hippocampus and anterior hippocampus was quantified using stereology. Based on cellular morphology, we counted the number of total microglia and reactive microglia (stages 2 and 3), which were defined as having hypertrophic/amoeboid morphology. Mean MIND diet scores (range=0‐15) and calorie‐adjusted antioxidant nutrients were computed from all food frequency questionnaires obtained during follow‐up. Linear regression models were used, and nutrients were assessed in quintiles.ResultsHigher MIND diet scores during the follow‐up were associated with fewer reactive microglia (i.e., less neuroinflammation) in the hippocampus when controlled for age at death, sex, education, calories, and AD pathology (β=‐0.035, SE=0.02, p = 0.045), but not with total microglia (β=‐4.88, SE=3.08, p = 0.114). Among calorie‐adjusted antioxidant nutrients (models controlled for age at death, sex, education), oleic acid (mono‐unsaturated fatty acid) was negatively associated with activated hippocampal microglia (Q5 vs. Q1: β=‐0.18, SE=0.08, p = 0.03) and vitamin E, which approached but did not reach significance (Q5 vs. Q1:β=‐0.13, SE=0.07, p = 0.08).ConclusionThe MIND diet is associated with microglial inflammation in the hippocampus. Further studies are needed to investigate if the diet's role in lowering the overall neuroinflammatory response explains the association of diet and cognitive health in older persons. Antioxidant nutrient analysis indicates a potential inverse relation between dietary vitamin E and oleic acid with hippocampal microglia that warrants further investigation with bigger sample size.

BackgroundPlasma biomarkers such as phosphorylated tau 217 (ptau217), amyloid‐beta 42/40 ratio (Aβ42/40), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) are valuable markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, respectively. These biomarkers serve as cost‐effective and accessible tools to assess early indicators of dementia risk. The Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, a modifiable lifestyle factor, has been associated with reduced dementia incidence. Plasma metabolomics offers an objective alternative to dietary questionnaires by capturing nutrient absorption and physiological impacts.MethodThis study investigated associations between the MIND diet score, plasma metabolites, and plasma biomarkers within 1,104 participants cognitively unimpaired at baseline from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP) cohort. Plasma metabolites serving as proxies for diet were identified through an initial association analysis of nearly 4,900 observations, including over 1,800 participants from WRAP and the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. This analysis identified 72 plasma metabolites significantly associated with the MIND diet score. Missing metabolite values were imputed using the mean before Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on these metabolites to derive metabolite patterns, which were subsequently tested for associations with plasma biomarkers measured within six months of MIND diet questionnaire completion and plasma metabolomics sample collection. General linear regression models were used to assess association, adjusting for age, sex and apolipoprotein E (APOE).ResultSample characteristics are shown in Table 1. The first four principal components (PCs) explained 38% of the variance in the MIND diet‐associated metabolites. Figure 1 presents the top seven metabolites for each PC. Regression models (Table 2) identified significant positive PC‐biomarker associations: PC1 with ptau217 and NfL; PC2 with GFAP and NfL; PC3 with all four biomarkers; and PC4 with ptau217. Mediation analysis will examine whether these PCs mediate the relationship between the MIND diet and plasma biomarkers.ConclusionMIND diet‐associated plasma metabolite groups correlate with plasma biomarkers of AD and neurodegeneration. These groups of metabolites include essential amino acids, omega‐3 fatty acids, plant and gut microbe‐derived metabolites, and sphingolipids. These findings highlight the potential importance of dietary interventions in modulating metabolic pathways linked to dementia biomarkers.

BackgroundBy 2050, it is predicted that 150 million people globally will have Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Current disease modifying therapies are not widely available and nearly 40% of dementias could be prevented or delayed through modifying risk factors. Observational studies show that adherence to the Mediterranean DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is associated with lower risk of cognitive decline and lower cognitive age. The MIND diet is rich in bioactives, including carotenoids, which have antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. Few adults discuss AD‐risk reduction with their healthcare providers and dietary recommendations for AD risk reduction are not a part of routine care.MethodIn this ongoing study, 150 participants of the New York University (NYU) Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) are asked to complete a subjective (15‐item MIND diet score) and objective (Veggie Meter) diet assessment at their annual study visit. The Veggie Meter is a reflection spectroscopy device that measures carotenoid levels non‐invasively and correlates with plasma carotenoids. We tested the strength of the relationship between the MIND diet and Veggie Meter scores. Participants receive a report of their scores with resources to learn more.Result117 participants have complete data (mean age: 73 ± 7.4). Participants are 73% female; 59% of participants identified as White, 41% as Black or African American, 7% Hispanic, and <1% as Asian. The mean MIND diet score was 7.1 ± 2.1 (max score 15; 47% ± 14 adherence). The mean Veggie Meter score was 339 ± 126 (max score 850). 85% of participants report taking dietary supplements. Preliminary correlations between Veggie Meter scores and total MIND diet score is r=0.3, p <0.05.ConclusionMean observed MIND diet and Veggie Meter scores show less than desirable intake of carotenoid‐rich foods for reduction of AD/ADRD risk among participants. The majority of participants take dietary supplements, and few consume a diet supportive of brain health. Few cohort studies include subjective and objective diet assessments with actionable feedback for participants. These preliminary findings emphasize the need for further research into dietary interventions for prevention or delay of cognitive decline.

BackgroundThe Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet has been associated with cognitive benefits and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Adherence is typically assessed using comprehensive but time‐consuming food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). We examined concurrent validity between a brief MIND diet screener and a more extensive FFQ.Methods94 participants (51 cognitively normal (CN), 31 subjective cognitive decline (SCD), 12 mild cognitive impairment (MCI)) from the Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (IADRC) who participated in the Alzheimer's Gut Microbiome Project (AGMP) completed both the self‐reported 15‐item MIND screener and computerized Vioscreen FFQ. For both measures, we used the same cutoff criteria to assign values of 0, 0.5, or 1 corresponding to low, medium, and high intake for the ‘healthy’ food groups and reverse correspondence for the ‘unhealthy’ food groups, which were then summed to generate a total MIND diet score (0‐15) with higher scores indicating greater adherence. Agreement between the two methods was assessed using Pearson correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for absolute agreement and consistency, and a tertile‐based cross‐classification. ANOVA was used to test differences in MIND scores between diagnostic groups, adjusting for age, sex, and education.ResultsThe mean MIND diet score from the FFQ was 7.49 (range: 2.5‐11), and from the screener was 10.05 (range: 5‐13.5), with a mean 2.56‐point difference showing consistently higher scores on the screener (Figure 1). The screener demonstrated moderate correlation with the FFQ score (r = 0.63, p <0.001, R2=0.40). Absolute agreement was low (ICC=0.34), while consistency was moderate (ICC=0.64) (Figure 2). In cross‐classification, 19.15% of individuals were classified into disparate tertiles. A significant difference was observed between CN and MCI groups using both methods, but only the screener‐derived score remained marginally significant after adjustments (p = 0.05) (Figure 3).ConclusionsThe MIND screener shows moderate correlation and consistency with the FFQ, with participants systematically reporting higher scores on the screener, indicating overestimation of their MIND diet score. While the screener does not capture detailed or food item specific dietary variations assessed by the FFQ, it is a valid tool for rapid estimation of MIND diet score and may be useful in research and clinical practice.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between depression, malnutrition, and the Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet in Alzheimer's disease patients. This study included 30 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 30 healthy controls. A questionnaire form including sociodemographic characteristics was applied to the individuals. In addition, anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, nutritional status (Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and MIND diet scores) and mental health status [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)]. BDI and BAI scores were significantly higher in the AD group compared to the control group. MIND diet score was found to be significantly lower in the AD group compared to the control group (independent t-tests, P < 0.05). Higher adherence to the MIND diet was significantly associated with lower malnutrition and depression scores among Alzheimer's disease patients (correlation analyses, P < 0.05). The risk of developing AD was found to be 2.034 times higher in those with high malnutrition status (logistic regression analysis, 95% CI; 1.143-3.621; P = 0.016, R2: 44.2%). Those with a high MIND diet score had an approximately 2.879-fold increased chance of being healthy (logistic regression analysis, 95% CI; 1.506-5.503; P = 0.001, R2: 44.2%). According to ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the depression score was 0.946 (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that adherence to the MIND diet may support nutrition and psychological well-being in AD and highlight the value of integrating nutrition-based approaches into dementia care.

BackgroundLatinos in the U.S. are at high risk for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) driven by modifiable factors like low education, poor sleep, inactivity, obesity, unhealthy diets, and diabetes. These factors often cluster, highlighting the need to study their combined effects on cognitive impairment. This study aims to explore the associations between clusters of ADRD risk factors and cognitive outcomes among Latinos.MethodThis is a secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study involving middle‐aged to older Latinos in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Data were collected during two home visits in Spanish or English by bilingual staff, assessing demographics, chronic conditions, Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet adherence, and cognitive outcomes, including global cognition assessed via the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and executive function assessed via Trails A/B and verbal fluency). Risk factors (e.g., age >65, BMI >30, low education, poor sleep, inactivity, poor diet, chronic conditions) were scored dichotomously, summed, and analyzed for prevalence and clustering. Pearson's correlation tested associations between clustered risk factors and cognitive outcomes.ResultThis study included 61 Latino participants (Mage = 58.6 ± 8.66 years, 77% women, 41.7% low income, MBMI = 31.2± 5.14, MSTIC‐m = 36.2± 2.3). Risk factor prevalence included: 25% aged ≥65, 63.3% with ≤high school education, 55.7% sleeping <7 hours/night, 60.7% with ≥1 chronic disease, 58.8% obese, 26.2% with a MIND diet score ≤7, and 45.9% insufficiently active. Over half (61.1%) of participants had 3‐4 risk factors, 1.9% had no risk factors, and 3.7% had six. None had all seven. Clustering of risk factors correlated negatively with MMSE scores (r = ‐0.37, p = 0.005) and verbal fluency (r = ‐0.29, p = 0.035) but positively with Trails A completion time (r = 0.30, p = 0.027), but not Trails B (r = 0.20, p = 0.139).ConclusionIncreased risk factors are linked to poorer executive function and global cognition. Most participants exhibited multiple risk factors, primarily low education, poor sleep, chronic disease, and obesity. These factors are largely modifiable, underscored by the need for interventions targeting multiple risk factors to mitigate cognitive decline.

ABSTRACTBackground and AimPropolis is a resinous substance collected from plant buds and secretions by bees, possesses numerous medicinal and biological properties, including immune modulation, anticancer effects, antimicrobial activity, anti‐inflammatory properties, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to examine the effect of the propolis on metabolic syndrome (MetS) indices among patients with MetS.MethodsThis study as a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT), was conducted on patients with MetS who were referred to the Hazrat Ali Health Center in Isfahan. Fifty six eligible patients were classified into two groups. including MIND (The Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet + placebo and MIND diet + propolis. We evaluated the MetS indices (Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglyceride (TG), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C)). We used the Shapiro‐Wilk test to determine if the distribution of quantitative variables was normal. Quantitative variables were presented as either the mean with standard deviation (SD).ResultsMIND + propolis group compared to MIND group showed nonsignificant decrease about body mass index (BMI) after adjusting variables 0.9 times (10%), 0.8 times (20%), respectively, and also showed nonsignificant decrease about TG by 0.9 times (10%), and also nonsignificant increase about WC and mean arterial pressure (MAP = [SBP + 2DBP]/3) by 1.03 times (3%) and 1.3 times (30%), respectively, and HDL‐C significant increased by 12.8 times.Registration: The current study′s procedure received approval from the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) on 3/28/2023, with the registration reference IRCT20230105057054N1.ConclusionMIND + propolis group compared to MIND group showed significant increase HDL‐C. therefore; propolis increase significantly HDL‐C.

Although numerous studies have demonstrated that plant-based diets can reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, their applicability and health benefits within Iran remain unconfirmed. This systematic review aimed to clarify the findings from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) regarding the benefits of these recommended diets against cardiometabolic diseases in the Iranian population. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus until September 2025. Studies that assessed the association between plant-based diets, including the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND), Nordic, and Portfolio diets, and cardiometabolic diseases [i.e., cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)] or their risk factors [i.e., overweight/obesity, hyperglycemia or insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and hypertension (HTN)] within the TLGS framework were included. From the 1,293 articles, 13 studies were included. Nine studies were identified on the MeDi score and cardiometabolic diseases; most found no significant associations. Five studies were conducted on the DASH score, which revealed an inverse association with risk of IR but no other outcomes. Two studies assessed the link between the MIND and Nordic diets and CVD with protective associations. There was one study on the Portfolio diet that showed no association with T2DM risk. Within the TLGS, the MeDi and DASH diet scores have been studied more than other plant-based diets, yet most findings show no beneficial association with cardiometabolic diseases. Conversely, recent findings regarding the MIND and Nordic diets indicate a significant inverse association with CVD incidence. Given the scarcity of research in this area, further investigation into plant-based diets and cardiometabolic health within the TLGS is warranted.

Association between different dietary patterns and the risk of major brain disorders: a prospective multi-cohort study

Cognitive decline, a natural aspect of aging, is linked to negative outcomes like increased mortality and social isolation. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, blending the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet elements, aims to slow cognitive decline and reduce dementia risk. Secondary analyses of population studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show mixed results on the MIND diet's effectiveness in improving cognitive health. Existing reviews have explored the MIND diet's impact on cognitive health, though their focus can be broad or narrow. Our review offers an updated perspective by specifically targeting dementia risk and clinical cognitive function, integrating new studies for enhanced insights into clinical practice and research. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 and the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391972). We included quantitative studies on middle-aged and older adults (mean age >40 years) examining MIND diet adherence and cognitive health, excluding non-original research. A systematic search was conducted in five databases from March 2023 to March 2024 using relevant search terms. Data were extracted and assessed for bias by multiple reviewers using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Heterogeneous data were synthesized using SWiM guidelines, focusing on cognitive function outcomes, with results presented in tables and figures. The search over five databases identified 898 articles, with 26 meeting the inclusion criteria. A hand search added 13 more, totaling 39 articles from 14 countries, including cohorts, cross-sectional, RCTs, and case-control studies. Most studies were conducted in the United States of America (USA), published between 2015 and 2024. Participant numbers ranged from 37 to 120,661, with follow-ups from 3 months to 24 years. Some studies explored more than one correlation. Of the studies, 14 out of 19 articles explored MIND diet adherence and global cognitive function, showing positive results. 10 out of 11 studies investigated MIND diet adherence and dementia/Alzheimer's risk, showing positive associations. 16 out of 18 articles examined the MIND diet's effect on domain-specific cognitive functions, with favorable outcomes. This systematic review reveals the significant promise of the MIND diet in enhancing cognitive health, specifically in global cognition, memory, and executive function. While observational studies strongly advocate for its inclusion in clinical guidelines to prevent and manage Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia, results from RCTs are mixed, suggesting further investigation is needed. The use of PRISMA and SWiM guidelines ensures robust and transparent findings, categorizing cognitive outcomes into critical areas for a holistic insight. Despite the effectiveness of alternative methods, such as MIND diet questionnaires, for adherence assessment apart from FFQ, variability in study populations, interventions, and scoring methods complicates pinpointing an optimal MIND score. This underscores the importance of standardized methodologies to refine dietary recommendations and consolidate the diet's cognitive health benefits across various populations.