Vascular cognitive impairment in India: Challenges and opportunities for prevention and treatment

Impact of vegetarianism on cognition and neuropsychological status among urban community-dwelling adults in Telangana, South India: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

The potential benefits of vegetarian diets in reducing cognitive impairment have garnered attention due to existing mixed results; hence, our study aims to examine the impact of vegetarianism on cognitive function and neuropsychological status among urban community-dwelling adults from Telangana.

METHODS

The dietary patterns were self-reported and dietary data collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire while cognitive function was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) questionnaire for psychological measures. Adults (N = 304) aged 40 years and above, who followed either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet for at least 6 months prior to data collection, scored MMSE ≥ 19 indicating mild cognitive impairment, and were recruited using convenience sampling.

RESULTS

Among the participants, vegetarians (n = 155) exhibited significantly better mood states compared to non-vegetarians (n = 149), as indicated by lower scores on the DASS subscales for depression (10.0 ± 0.06 vs. 17.0 ± 0.07, p =  < 0.001), anxiety (4.0 ± 0.05 vs. 6.0 ± 0.07, p = 0.005), and stress (8.0 ± 0.02 vs. 10.0 ± 0.05, p = 0.007). Vegetarians also demonstrated superior cognitive functioning compared to non-vegetarians, as indicated by higher MMSE scores (26.0 ± 0.04 vs. 24.0 ± 0.03, p =  < 0.001). MMSE scores were inversely correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress for vegetarians (ρ = - 0.371, p = 0.000; ρ = - 0.027, p = 0.734; and ρ = - 0.105, p = 0.914), respectively. Similar to the vegetarians group, MMSE scores were negatively correlated with depression (ρ = - 0.059), but the correlation is not significant.

CONCLUSION

Vegetarianism exerted a positive influence on the cognitive and neuropsychological status of the investigated population. Nevertheless, additional research is required to comprehend the underlying mechanisms that elucidate the long-term effects of vegetarianism and plant-based nutritional interventions on brain health.

The 2022 symposium on dementia and brain aging in low- and middle-income countries: Highlights on research, diagnosis, care, and impact

Two of every three persons living with dementia reside in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The projected increase in global dementia rates is expected to affect LMICs disproportionately. However, the majority of global dementia care costs occur in high-income countries (HICs), with dementia research predominantly focusing on HICs. This imbalance necessitates LMIC-focused research to ensure that characterization of dementia accurately reflects the involvement and specificities of diverse populations. Development of effective preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for dementia in LMICs requires targeted, personalized, and harmonized efforts. Our article represents timely discussions at the 2022 Symposium on Dementia and Brain Aging in LMICs that identified the foremost opportunities to advance dementia research, differential diagnosis, use of neuropsychometric tools, awareness, and treatment options. We highlight key topics discussed at the meeting and provide future recommendations to foster a more equitable landscape for dementia prevention, diagnosis, care, policy, and management in LMICs. HIGHLIGHTS: Two-thirds of persons with dementia live in LMICs, yet research and costs are skewed toward HICs. LMICs expect dementia prevalence to more than double, accompanied by socioeconomic disparities. The 2022 Symposium on Dementia in LMICs addressed advances in research, diagnosis, prevention, and policy. The Nairobi Declaration urges global action to enhance dementia outcomes in LMICs.