Diet & Nutrition
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METRIC
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MEDAS

The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score (MEDAS) measures the degree to which an individual's diet aligns with the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which is associated with improved health outcomes, including neurological health.
TARGET:
OVERVIEW

The MEDAS is a widely used metric for assessing diet quality due to its strong evidence base linking the Mediterranean diet to numerous health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as indicated by a high MEDAS score, has been shown to support cognitive function, enhance brain plasticity, and lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. The diet’s emphasis on anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective foods, such as olive oil, fatty fish, and fruits, makes it a critical tool for evaluating dietary influence on neurological health.

MEASUREMENT

The MEDAS is typically assessed through a questionnaire consisting of 14 items, each addressing specific components of the Mediterranean diet, such as the consumption of olive oil, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, and moderate wine intake. Participants receive one point for meeting each criterion, with a higher score reflecting greater adherence to the diet. For example, a score of 12 or higher often indicates strong alignment with the Mediterranean diet. This simple scoring system allows for quick evaluation and is used in both research and clinical settings to identify dietary improvements needed to optimize health, particularly brain function.

ASSESSMENT

Mediterranean Diet Adherence Questionnaire

Do you use olive oil as the main source of fat for cooking?

QUESTIONNAIRE
Questionnaire Scores
Although evidence suggests a correlation between questionnaire scores and neurological health, it does not prove causality or guarantee brain health. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or lifestyle.  
VIEW SOURCE
BENCHMARKS
Benchmark Warning
These benchmarks are generalized and may vary based on individual factors such as genetics, stress levels, medications, or medical conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized interpretation.
VIEW SOURCE
Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS)
Adapted from:
www.predimed.es
International Journal of Epidemiology, April 2012; 41(2):377-385
Journal of Nutrition, June 2011; 141(6):1140-1145 (Nov 2017)
Question Scoring
Do you use olive oil as the main source of fat for cooking? Yes = 1 point, No = 0 points
How many tablespoons of olive oil do you use each day? (Include olive oil used in salads, meals eaten away from home, frying, etc.) ≥4 tablespoons/day = 1 point
How many servings of vegetables do you eat per day? (One serving is ½ cup raw or cooked vegetables or 1 cup of raw salad greens.) ≥2 servings/day = 1 point
How many servings of whole fruit do you eat per day? (One serving is ½ cup or a medium-sized piece of whole fruit.) ≥3 servings/day = 1 point
How many servings of red meat, hamburger, or sausages do you eat per week? (One serving is 3½-5½ ounces or 100-150 grams.) <1 serving/week = 1 point
How many servings of butter, margarine, or cream do you consume per day? (One serving is 1 tablespoon.) <1 serving/day = 1 point
How many sugar-sweetened beverages do you drink per week? (One serving is 355ml or 12 oz.) <1 serving/week = 1 point
Do you drink wine? How much do you drink per week? (1 glass = 150ml or 5 oz.) 7 glasses/week (moderate consumption) = 1 point
How many servings of legumes (e.g., kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils) do you eat per week? (One serving is 5 oz or ½ - 2/3 cup.) ≥3 servings/week = 1 point
How many servings of fish or seafood do you eat per week? (One serving of fish = 3½-5½ oz or 100-150g; seafood = 7 oz or 200g.) ≥3 servings/week = 1 point
How many times do you eat baked goods (e.g., pie, cookies, cake) per week? <2 times/week = 1 point
How many times do you eat nuts per week? (1 serving = 30g or 1 oz.) ≥3 times/week = 1 point
Do you eat chicken or turkey more often than beef, pork, hamburger, or sausage? Yes = 1 point, No = 0 points
How many times per week do you eat dishes with a sauce of tomato, garlic, onion/leeks sautéed in olive oil? ≥2 times/week = 1 point
Scoring and Interpretation
Higher scores (close to 14) reflect strong adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
Lower scores may indicate areas for dietary improvement.
RELATED RESOURCES
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