RESOURCE
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February 20, 2018

Association of long-term adherence to the mind diet with cognitive function and cognitive decline in American women

Research
The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging
SUMMARY

This cohort study investigated the long-term effects of adherence to the MIND diet on cognitive function and decline in over 16,000 older women. The MIND diet emphasizes leafy greens, berries, nuts, and whole grains, while limiting unhealthy foods. Results showed that greater adherence was moderately associated with better verbal memory but did not significantly impact global cognition or the rate of cognitive decline over six years. The findings highlight the potential of the MIND diet to support certain aspects of cognitive health, particularly in aging populations.

RECOMMENDATION

Following the MIND diet may help improve verbal memory and support brain health. Include foods like leafy greens, berries, and nuts while limiting sweets and saturated fats. While benefits were observed, the effects on overall cognition and decline require further study, and the diet should complement a healthy lifestyle.

TAGS
MIND diet; cognitive function; verbal memory; aging; dietary patterns; brain health; dementia prevention; global cognition; nutrition; longitudinal study
DEEP DIVE