Mediterranean-DASH Intervention For Neurodegenerative Delay Diet Research Articles

Dietary Patterns and Brain Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Diet has a profound impact on brain health, particularly in middle-aged and older adults, who are at increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Various dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diets, have been linked to improved cognitive function. While the relative effectiveness of these diets on brain health is generally supported by evidence, variability in study results suggests that further research is needed to fully understand their effects across diverse populations. The objective of this descriptive narrative review is to examine the role of dietary patterns in supporting brain health in aging populations and to propose practical dietary strategies for promoting cognitive well-being. A comprehensive review of the existing literature was conducted on PubMed in October 2024, with no restrictions on language, publication date (1966–2024), or geographic location. A total of 18 articles were included in this review, covering the years 2013–2023. Studies assessing the impact of the MedDiet, DASH, MIND, and Western diets on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults were prioritized. The research findings were synthesized to identify common and unique recommendations across these dietary patterns. The MedDiet consistently showed beneficial effects on cognitive health, including improved memory, processing speed, and long-term protection against neurodegenerative conditions. The DASH and MIND diets demonstrated potential benefits, particularly for specific cognitive domains, but the results were more mixed and inconclusive. In contrast, adherence to a Western diet was associated with negative cognitive outcomes, including cognitive decline and smaller brain volumes. These findings underscore the importance of adopting healthy dietary patterns as a modifiable lifestyle factor to support cognitive aging and inform future public health strategies and clinical guidelines.

The MIND diet, cognitive function, and well-being among healthy adults at midlife: a randomised feasibility trial

BackgroundThe Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets have been shown to slow cognitive decline. However, these diets were not originally developed with dementia prevention as their primary focus. In contrast, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet was specifically designed based on evidence linking individual dietary components to brain health and the prevention of cognitive decline. The aim of this research was to test the effectiveness of the MIND diet on cognitive function, mood, and quality of life using the Behaviour Change Wheel, and to design an intervention using the COM-B model to promote the MIND diet at midlife.MethodsAn online pilot randomised control trial (RCT) was conducted. Forty-one participants (aged 40–55 years, male and female) were randomised into a MIND diet with support group (n = 15), MIND diet group with no support (n = 14) or control group (n = 12) for 12 weeks. Baseline and follow-up measures of cognitive function, mood, quality of life (QOL) and adherence to MIND diet was assessed in each group. Capability, opportunity, and motivation (COM-B) towards MIND diet behaviour were also assessed pre and post intervention.ResultsA repeated measures ANOVA showed that in comparison to the control group, both intervention groups significantly improved mood, quality of life, MIND diet score and all COM-B components at follow-up (p < 0.05). No significant differences or interactions in cognitive function were found between groups.ConclusionThere are only two RCT’s that test the effectiveness of the MIND diet on cognitive function, and this is the first RCT to assess the usefulness of the COM-B in increasing adherence to the MIND diet. Future interventions with longer duration are needed to establish an association with MIND diet and cognitive function in adults at midlife. This study recommends using less Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) with a focus on self-monitoring, goal setting and education on diet as an effective strategy for promoting adherence to the MIND diet.Trial registrationTrial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record NCT04654936, May 2019.

Associations of cMIND Diet with depressive and anxiety symptoms among old people in China: a nationwide study.

The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a novel dietary approach that exhibits neuroprotective benefits. Studies have found that the MIND diet can effectively reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, but the relationship between them is unclear among older Chinese people. The objective of this research was to explore the association of the MIND diet with depression and anxiety among elderly Chinese individuals. The study data were obtained from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), and logistic regression models were developed to explore the relationship between the Chinese version of MIND (cMIND) diet and depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) was used to determine whether a linear relationship exists between cMIND diet and depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were further used to test for interactions and robustness of results. The study included 6,945 Chinese seniors aged 65 and above, and the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were 49.68% and 10.89%, respectively. The cMIND diet score had a significant protective effect on both depressive and anxiety symptoms when used as a continuous or categorical variable. The RCS analysis revealed a statistically significant linear relationship between the cMIND diet and both depressive (p < 0.05) and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.05). Among the Chinese elderly population, the cMIND diet can significantly reduce the probability of developing depressive and anxiety symptoms. Therefore, this study's results may promote healthy eating habits among the elderly.

The effect of MIND diet on sleep status, mental health, and serum level of BDNF in overweight/obese diabetic women with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial

Insomnia is common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and affects mental health and quality of life. The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet on the anthropometric measurements, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and serum levels of cortisol and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in type 2 diabetic women with insomnia. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) involved 44 type 2 diabetic women with insomnia, aged 30 to 65 years, who were randomly assigned to be under the MIND low-calorie diet (n = 22) or a low-calorie diet (LCD) as the control group (n = 22) for 12 weeks. The above-mentioned variables were assessed at the beginning and the end of intervention. Following the MIND diet for 12 weeks accompanied by the significant decrease of waist circumference and significant improvement of sleep quality, depression, and anxiety compared to the control group. In addition, the MIND diet vs. LCD group exhibited a significant reduction in the cortisol levels and a significant increase in BDNF. This study provides promising evidence of the effectiveness of the MIND diet in improving the sleep quality, mental health, and some related biochemical parameters in diabetic women with insomnia.Trial registration: IRCT20181111041611N8.

Impact of Diets on Cognitive and Clinical Outcomes in Alzheimer's Disease: A Scoping Review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD)ischaracterized by beta-amyloidplaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to damage of neuronal synapses, negatively impacting memory and cognition. Research efforts have shown the benefit of proper nutrition in reducing the progression of AD and slowing the condition's progression. Specifically, nutritional intake has been demonstrated to influence neuro-inflammatory pathways. Various diets, including ketogenic, Mediterranean, Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), have been shown to prevent the onset of AD to different degrees.The primary objective of this scoping review was to assess the impacts of various diets on AD onset and progression to identify unmet needs and gaps in understanding. Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, peer-reviewed literature was searched using Boolean operators: "Alzheimer's" AND "ketogenic" OR "DASH diet" OR "MIND diet" OR "Mediterranean diet" on EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. The search was restricted to articles written in English and published in the United States between January 1, 2013, and September 30, 2023. The initial search yielded 121 articles after removing duplicates. After filtering based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 articles were selected for further critical appraisal screening. The critical appraisal yielded 12 articles for the analysis included in this scoping review. This review supported the Mediterranean diet as the most effective in improving outcomes among patients with AD. The Mediterranean diet consists of a high intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and unrefined cereals, a moderate intake of fish and wine, and a low intake of dairy products, meat, poultry, and saturated fat. Other diets reviewed, including the DASH and MIND diets, also have promising effects on AD, with less conclusive evidence when compared to the Mediterranean diet. Limitations, including small sample sizes, short durations, and socioeconomic constraints impacting compliance, were noted. This scoping review supports the need for dietary recommendation guidelines for patients with AD.

Evaluation of the relationship of chronotype, MIND diet, and lifestyle factors in overweight and obese people: Path analysis and structural equation modeling

ABSTRACT The effects of chronotype and diet on obese individuals have been reported in previous studies. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet, chronotype and lifestyle factors in different types of overweight and obese people. 1100 obese individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. Compliance with the MIND diet was questioned, anthropometric measurements were taken, and biochemical parameter results from patient records in the last week were examined. Chronotypes were determined with the ”A self-assessment questionnaire to determine morningness in human circadian rhythms” scale. MIND diet score was inversely associated with the body mass index (BMI) [β (SE) = −0.239 (0.11), p = 0.31] and waist circumference [β (SE) = −0.026 (0.01), p = 0.028], explained 0.4% of BMI and 0.6% of WC. There was a significant relationship between poorer MIND diets and higher CRP levels. A positive correlation was found between an increased MEQ score and MIND diet only in overweight participants (correlation coefficient = 0.200, p < 0.05). Whole cereals and fish consumption were positively associated with chronotype scores, while the highest odds of red meats and fast/fried foods seemed to have a negative effect. As a result, it has been observed that individuals with a morning chronotype have higher compliance with the MIND diet and make healthier food choices. Both having a morning chronotype and complying with the MIND diet have been associated with improvements in biochemical parameters in overweight and obese people.

Adherence to the mind diet, genetic susceptibility, and glaucoma prevalence

Purpose: The Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet may be associated with glaucoma. We aimed to confirm this association and to identify who could benefit most from this diet.Methods: This study consisted of 316 (clinically confirmed) glaucoma patients and 107 healthy controls from the Erasmus Glaucoma Cohort. Dietary data was collected using validated food frequency questionnaires. The association between MIND diet adherence and glaucoma prevalence was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. We further stratified on family history of glaucoma. The association between family history of glaucoma and MIND diet adherence was analyzed using multivariable linear regression analyses. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, and energy intake.Results: Adherence to the MIND diet was significantly associated with glaucoma prevalence, but only in participants without a positive family history (Odds ratio [OR] with [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.84 [0.71‐1.00]). The more unfavorable the diet, the higher the prevalence of glaucoma (~2 times in both the group with and without positive family history). In the group with a positive family history, the OR increased from 5.8 to 10.9 in individuals with an unfavorable diet. Having affected relatives may therefore be an incentive to adhere to a healthy diet. Indeed, a positive family history appeared associated with greater MIND diet adherence (Beta [95%CI]: 0.32 [‐0.01‐0.64]). This was observed particularly in glaucoma patients (Beta [95%CI]: 0.46 [0.09‐0.84]), and more distinct when it affected a first degree relative (Beta [95%CI]: 0.58 [0.16‐1.00]).Conclusions: The MIND diet may be associated with glaucoma. These dietary recommendations may particularly be interesting for glaucoma patients without a positive family history of glaucoma. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of this diet in slowing down glaucoma progression is yet to be determined by longitudinal studies.

The role of dietary factors in cognitive decline

The increasing morbidity and mortality of dementia places a significant burden on society in economic, social and health terms. In addition to the therapy of partially detectable etiologies, diet can also play a major role in reducing the risk of dementia. The most commonly studied dietary patterns in relation to cognitive decline are the Mediterranean diet, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet for the prevention of hypertension, and the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet, which has emerged as a new approach in the last decade, combining elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, but there is also considerable research on the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting.This study aims to summarise all dietary factors that may play a role in the prevention and development of cognitive decline.

The Potential of MIND Diet to Improve Brain Health for American Football Players

Since American football is inherently a collision sport, exposure to repeated head impacts leads to increased concerns among players, especially regarding brain health. The risk of neurodegenerative diseases may rise at the later phase of life in case of the long-term continuation of brain damage induced by repetitive head impacts thereby leading to the chronicity of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation along with the blood-brain barrier disruption. Therefore, early preventive strategies are necessary to improve brain health. Nutrition is considered one of these strategies. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet model was designed to improve brain health. The MIND diet includes foods rich in bioactive compounds, fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Therefore, this diet model may protect the brain against the negative effects of brain damage. The potential effects of MIND diet components, including bioactive compounds, fiber, PUFAs, and MUFAs on brain health for American football players are discussed in this review.

The Mediterranean Diet, the DASH Diet, and the MIND Diet in Relation to Sleep Duration and Quality: A Narrative Review.

In 2022, healthy sleep was included as part of Life's Essential 8, which are a cluster of fundamental factors for cardiovascular health. In many studies, sleep duration and/or quality have also been found to be related to human health. The purpose of this narrative review was to present the relationship between the Mediterranean diet, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, and the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet and sleep quality and duration in different populations. A literature search was conducted based on the phrases "Mediterranean diet", "DASH diet", and "MIND diet" appearing together with "sleep" or "insomnia" in papers' titles or abstracts. Studies on obstructive sleep apnea or shift work were excluded. The electronic databases were searched via EBSCOhost. Main results: The vast majority of studies showed that there was a beneficial association between the three diets discussed in this review and sleep duration and/or quality; however, most of these results were obtained in cross-sectional analyses. There were only a few studies in which an association between sleep parameters and these diets was not observed. Direction for future studies: Taking into account the significant role of adequate sleep quality in various diseases, even in all-cause mortality, the implementation of randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies seems to be necessary to provide further evidence that would allow these associations to be confirmed. In conclusion, the results obtained so far in various populations strongly suggest that healthy dietary patterns abundant in plant foods, are associated with better sleep quality, as well as with a more adequate length of sleep.

Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment and the Potential of Dietary Interventions for the Prevention and Mitigation of Neurodegeneration.

Approximately 35% of long-term cancer survivors experience ongoing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Yet, few efficacious interventions exist to prevent or ameliorate CRCI. The underlying biological processes driving CRCI are complex and are reported to include changes in brain structure and function, increased oxidative stress and inflammation, and alterations in gut microbiome composition. Some of the mechanisms promoting CRCI have the potential to be modified through behavioral changes, such as dietary changes. Compelling evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational research supports the positive impacts of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet on cognition outside of the context of cancer, but studies investigating the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet as an intervention for people who experience CRCI are lacking. This review examines the current state of the science for cognitive outcomes of dietary interventions in aging populations and discusses future opportunities to adapt these interventions to cancer populations.

The relationship between the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and metabolic health status in adolescents with overweight and obesity: results from a cross-sectional study in Iran.

Few studies investigated the association between Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and metabolic health status, particularly among adolescents. The present study was designed to investigate the association of MIND diet with metabolic health status in Iranian adolescents with overweight/obesity. This cross-sectional study was done among 203 adolescents with overweight/obesity (12-18 years) in Isfahan, Iran. A validated FFQ was applied to collect dietary intakes. Anthropometric indices and blood pressure were also measured by standard procedures. Fasting blood samples were obtained to determine serum insulin, glucose and lipid profile. To categorise participants as being with metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHO) or metabolically unhealthy overweight/obesity (MUO), two methods including International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and IDF plus Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were applied. Participants had a mean age of 13·98 years and 50·2 % of them were girls. In fully adjusted models, participants with highest MIND diet adherence had lower odds of MUO status based on IDF (OR = 0·20; 95 % CI 0·08, 0·51) and IDF/HOMA-IR (OR = 0·22; 95 % CI 0·08, 0·59) criteria. Stratified analyses revealed that this association was stronger among girls and was only significant among individuals with overweight. An inverse association was also found between MIND diet score and odds of hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance (IR). Higher MIND diet adherence was associated with lower odds MUO in adolescents with overweight/obesity. Inverse associations were also found between MIND diet and odds of hyperglycaemia and IR. Future longitudinal prospective studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Adherence to healthy dietary scores and risk of dementia: findings from the UK Biobank prospective study

While adherence to a healthy diet is known to reduce dementia risk, the impact varies by diet type. This study examines the association between six dietary scores and dementia incidence.In this prospective analysis, 210,269 participants aged 60 and above (mean age 64.1 years, 52.7% women) from the UK Biobank were included. Dietary adherence was assessed using six scores: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Index (MEDAS-14), Recommended Food Score (RFS), Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), and a meat consumption index (MCI). Dementia incidence (allcause, Alzheimer’s, vascular, and non-vascular) was the primary outcome, analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. The lowest quintile (low adherence) was used as reference group. Analyses were conducted using a 2-years landmark and adjusted for sociodemographic (age, sex, ethnicity and deprivation), lifestyle (physical activity, alcohol and smoking) and health-related factors (multimorbidity and BMI).Among the participants, 4,151 developed dementia during the 8.9 years follow up. Those with the highest adherence to dietary patterns (Quintile 5) showed a reduced risk of all-cause dementia: 49% with MDS (HR: 0.51, CI: 0.42−0.62), 38% with MIND (HR: 0.77, CI: 0.60−0.99), and 19% with MEDAS-14 (HR: 0.81, CI: 0.64-1.00). No significant associations were found with HDI. Individuals reporting low meat consumption (&lt;5 times a week) exhibited a 15% lower dementia risk compared to high meat eaters (≥5 times a week, HR: 0.85, CI: 0.77−0.94). No associations were observed with pescatarian or vegetarian diets. These patterns were consistent across both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.Our findings suggest that higher adherence to certain healthy dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean and MIND diets, is associated with substantially lower risk of dementia. These findings emphasise the potential for achieving better brain health among older people by improving overall dietary pattern.

Cross-comparison of diet quality scores in relation to cardiometabolic health, cognitive function, and ecological sustainability parameters: Results from the Rhineland Study

Food systems significantly influence both human health and the environment. In 2019, the EATLancet Commission introduced a universal, healthy reference diet aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and preventing non-communicable diseases.(1) This diet, known as the EAT-Lancet reference diet (ELR-diet), has been associated with reduced risks of cardiometabolic diseases and mortality,(2,3) as well as a diminished environmental impact.(4) However, the distinctions between the ELR-diet and other dietary patterns—traditionally defined solely by their health benefits—remain less examined, particularly in the context of both health outcomes and environmental sustainability. This study evaluates hypothesis-driven diet quality scores—Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Mediterranean-style Diet Score (MDS), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, Nordic Diet Score, healthful Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI), and the ELR-diet—across their effects on cardiometabolic health, cognitive function, and ecological sustainability.We based our analyses on participants from the Rhineland study with available nutritional assessment, cardiometabolic markers, and cognitive function data at baseline (n = 6473, age 56.1 ± 13.4 years, 56% women). Based on dietary data collected through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, we estimated and compared adherence to seven diet quality scores, including the ELR-diet. Cardiometabolic risk markers included adiposity indicators, lipoprotein levels, and blood pressure. Cognitive performance was measured in multiple domains and averaged into a global cognitive function score. Diet-related greenhouse-gas emissions (GHGEs) and land use (LU) were calculated per participant’s food intake, expressed as kgCO2 equivalents and m2×year, respectively.(5) Correlations between diet quality scores were quantified using Spearman correlation, and associations with outcomes were analyzed using multivariate linear models.All diet quality scores were positively correlated with each other. The EAT-Lancet diet was most strongly correlated with the hPDI (r = 0.43; p&lt;0.001), and least with the Nordic diet (r = 0.16; p&lt;0.001). Higher ELR-diet adherence was associated with reductions in various adiposity markers, lipoprotein levels, and blood pressure although these reductions were generally smaller than those observed with the DASH and AHEI diets. ELR-diet adherence was also associated with better global cognitive performance (ß = 0.03, 95%CI = 0.02;0.05), closely matching the MIND diet (ß = 0.04, 95%CI = 0.03;0.05). Moreover, the ELR-diet was inversely associated with GHGE (ß = −0.3, 95%CI = −0.33;−0.27) and LU (ß = −0.37, 95%CI = −0.41;−0.33), yet the hPDI diet, was associated with the greatest decrease in both markers (GHGE ß = −0.48, 95%CI = −0.51;−0.45; LU ß = −0.58, 95%CI = −0.62;−0.54). Conversely, the Nordic diet was associated with increases in both GHGE and LU.Our study provides evidence that higher diet quality, measured though different scores, is associated with favorable cardiometabolic health, better cognitive performance and reduced environmental impact. These findings support the generalizability of the beneficial effects of adherence to a healthy diet across both health-related and sustainability outcomes.

ORIENT Diet: A Potential Neuroprotective Dietary Pattern for Chinese Stroke High-Risk Population

ORIENT Diet: A Potential Neuroprotective Dietary Pattern for Chinese Stroke High-Risk Population

The effects of MIND diet on depression, anxiety, quality of life and metabolic and hormonal status in obese or overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised clinical trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, associated with increased risks of metabolic disorders, depression and reduced quality of life. This study examined the impact of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet on mental health, PCOS-related quality of life (PCOSQ), anthropometric indices, hirsutism, and metabolic/hormonal parameters in women with PCOS. Total of 52 women with PCOS, aged between 18 and 45 years, were randomly assigned to either the low calorie MIND diet group or the control group. Anthropometric data, depression and anxiety scores, serum levels of gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH]), PCOSQ, and Ferriman-Gallwey score were evaluated before and after the intervention. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 8-week follow-up period. After 8 weeks, the MIND diet significantly reduced depression (β -3·03; 95 % CI: [-5·36, -0·70]; P = 0·011) and anxiety (β -3·54; 95 % CI: [-6·60, -0·49]; P = 0·024) scores compared with the control group. The MIND diet group exhibited significant increases in the emotion (β 0·63; 95 % CI: [0·18, 1·08]; P = 0·007) and body hair (β 0·65; 95 % CI: [0·03, 1·28]; P = 0·04) domains of the PCOSQ compared to the control group. The changes in other parameters did not show significant differences between the two groups. Both the MIND diet and control groups showed improvements in weight and BMI, with a slight advantage for the MIND diet group. These findings suggest that the MIND diet may be beneficial for improving mental health and some aspects of PCOSQ in women with PCOS.

Comparison of diet quality indices for predicting metabolic syndrome in Iran: cross-sectional findings from the persian cohort study

BackgroundThe metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises metabolic irregularities, including hypertension and central obesity, which are influenced by genetic, metabolic, environmental, and dietary factors. As diet and lifestyle are risk factors for MetS, it is important to know which diet quality index better predicts MetS. The aim of this study is to compare the ability of different diet quality indices in predicting MetS and to identify the most effective one.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 5,206 participants aged 35 to 70 engaged in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Study in Iran (PERSIAN) cohort. Assessment of one year’s food intake via a validated 134-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) facilitated the calculation of adherence to five diet quality indices: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean, Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and Diet Quality Indices (DQI). While bivariate Pearson correlation and binary logistic regression aided in identifying the strongest correlation and predictor for MetS among the indices.ResultsThis study showed a significant association between adhering to the DASH diet score, Mediterranean diet score, MIND diet score, DII score, and DQI score, and the odds of developing MetS (OR: 0.94, (95% CI: 0.93–0.95), OR: 0.85, (95% CI: 0.81–0.89), OR: 0.84, (95% CI: 0.80–0.89), OR: 1.22, (95%CI: 1.11–1.34), OR: 0.95, (95%CI 0.94–0.96) respectively). Therefore, with each unit increase in DASH diet score, Mediterranean diet score, MIND diet score, DII score, and DQI score, the odds of MetS was reduced by 5.4%, 14.5%, 15.6%, 22%, 5%, respectively. All the indices were correlated with the intake of most of the micronutrients, with the strongest correlations being observed in the DII. DASH diet score aligned with the most favourable MetS biomarker risk, while DII score primarily associated with MetS and could be considered as a predictor for MetS.ConclusionThe present study’s findings reveal that between all these five diet quality indices, the DASH diet score correlates strongly with a favourable biomarker risk profile, while the DII score is predominantly linked to MetS.

Nourishing the mind: how the EAT-Lancet reference diet (ELD) and MIND diet impact stress, anxiety, and depression

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested a link between diet and mental health. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the association between emerging diets such as the EAT-Lancet reference diet (ELD) and the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, and mental health in different societies. This study aimed to determine the association between adherence to ELD and MIND diets and the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress.MethodsThis research involved 4579 participants from the PERSIAN Organizational Cohort Study in Mashhad (POCM). To assess dietary intake, a comprehensive 118-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was employed. The Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) was used to assess adherence to the ELD. Mental health status was evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21) questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was utilized to examine the relationship between these scores and mental health indicators.ResultsIn the adjusted model, the highest quartile of PHDI showed a 35% reduced risk of depression compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR: 0.653, 95% CI: 0.483–0.883; P = 0.008). However, compared to the reference quartile, participants in the highest quartile of MIND diet exhibited significantly lower risks of depression (OR: 0.611, 95% CI: 0.447–0.836; P = 0.005), anxiety (OR: 0.559, 95% CI: 0.418–0.746; P < 0.001), and stress (OR: 0.629, 95% CI: 0.419–0.944; P = 0.008).ConclusionsThe ELD and MIND diet were both associated with reduced odds of depression. Additionally, MIND diet was associated with decreased likelihood of anxiety and stress. However, no connection was observed between ELD and anxiety or stress. Further large-scale interventions are required to confirm these findings.Graphical Association between EAT-Lancet reference diet (ELD) and MIND Diet with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression. PHDI: planetary health diet index, MIND diet: Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet

Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet and Psychological Problems in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients by the Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of Malnutrition and Inflammation Markers Approach

Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet and Psychological Problems in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients by the Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of Malnutrition and Inflammation Markers Approach

Key neuroprotective mechanisms of the MIND diet - a review paper

Introduction and purpose: Impaired cognitive function is a growing public health problem, where dementia is affecting about 47 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is intended to overcome this problem. This article aims to raise awareness of the MIND diet, highlighting how dietary choices can promote cognitive health and delay disease progression. Brief description of the state of knowledge: The MIND diet focuses on foods that support cognitive health and may mitigate these degenerative processes. It emphasizes green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, and poultry while limiting red meat, dairy, sweets, and fried foods. These products contain several components with multidirectional neuroprotective effects. Material and method: This work was based on material found on Google Scholar. Articles were selected based on citation counts, publication dates, and relevance, ensuring a comprehensive review of recent findings on the MIND diet's impact on cognitive health. Summary: The MIND diet enhances brain health by incorporating nutrient-dense foods that reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress, and support neuronal function. Green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats work together to improve cognitive function, support synaptic plasticity, and protect brain structure, leading to slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases.