In January 2020 researchers from Spain, Italy and the USA published the results of their study to compare the associations of 5 dietary patterns with cognitive function. The five dietary patterns were the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative delay (MIND), Alternative Healthy Eating Index, and a pro-vegetarian diet. A total of 806 individuals, aged over 55 years, were included in the study. Information on diet was collected via a food frequency questionnaire, and in addition all individuals were interviewed over the telephone at the start of the study and again after 2 and 6 years. Results showed that there was a beneficial association between the MIND diet and cognitive function. In fact, the MIND diet appeared to modify changes in cognitive function over time. There was also a suggestion that the Alternative Healthy Eating Index may be of benefit to cognitive function. The results were inconclusive for the Mediteranean diet, DASH diet and the pro-vegetarian diet.
Munoz-Garcia MI et al. “A priori” Dietary Patterns and Cognitive Function in the SUN Project. Neuroepidemiology. 2020;54(1):45-57.