MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease

Exploring the versatility of Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism in biomedical research: a comprehensive review

Drosophila melanogaster is a highly versatile model organism that has profoundly advanced our understanding of human diseases. With more than 60% of its genes having human homologs, Drosophila provides an invaluable system for modelling a wide range of pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic diseases, as well as cardiac and muscular conditions. This review highlights key developments in utilizing Drosophila for disease modelling, emphasizing the genetic tools that have transformed research in this field. Technologies such as the GAL4/UAS system, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR-Cas9 have enabled precise genetic manipulation, with CRISPR-Cas9 allowing for the introduction of human disease mutations into orthologous Drosophila genes. These approaches have yielded critical insights into disease mechanisms, identified novel therapeutic targets and facilitated both drug screening and toxicological studies. Articles were selected based on their relevance, impact and contribution to the field, with a particular focus on studies offering innovative perspectives on disease mechanisms or therapeutic strategies. Our findings emphasize the central role of Drosophila in studying complex human diseases, underscoring its genetic similarities to humans and its effectiveness in modelling conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and cancer. This review reaffirms Drosophila's critical role as a model organism, highlighting its potential to drive future research and therapeutic advancements.

The relation between MIND diet with odds of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Iranian children: a case-control study

This study aims to investigate the association between the MIND index (Mediterranean- Dietary approaches to Stop Hypertension diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the Iranian children. It builds upon existing research that highlights the role of dietary antioxidants in alleviating psychological disorders, cognitive impairments, and memory deficits. Additionally, previous studies have separately explored the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean and DASH diets on these issues. A case-control study was undertaken in Iran, involving a sample of 360 children and adolescents aged 7-13 years. Participants were divided into two groups, namely the case group (n = 120) and the control group (n = 240), with age and sex being matched between the groups. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR) was employed for the diagnosis of ADHD. The MIND diet score was computed using the food intake data acquired from the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) completed by the subjects. The mean ± SD for the age and BMI of the study population was 8.76 ± 1.64 years and 16.90 ± 3.58 kg/m2, respectively. The mean score of MIND in this study was 27.93. After adjustment for potential confounder in the final model, subjects in highest compared to the lowest quartile of MIND diet score had significantly lower odds of ADHD (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.83; P-trend = 0.019). This study provides valuable evidence suggesting that adherence to the MIND diet is associated with decreased odds of ADHD.

Association of dietary diversity, genetic susceptibility, and the risk of incident dementia: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have revealed how single foods or nutrients affect dementia, but the evidence for a potential link between dietary diversity and dementia is inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary diversity and the risk of incident dementia.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This prospective study included 104,572 white participants without dementia at baseline recruited between 2006 and 2010 from the UK Biobank.

MEASUREMENTS

Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was acquired through the Oxford WebQ's 24-hour dietary recall survey spanning from 2009 to 2012. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the associations between DDS, diversity scores of food groups and the risk of incident dementia. Stratified analyses were subsequently conducted to assess the potential variations across different demographic, socioeconomic, and genetic risk groups.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 10.44 years, 725 participants developed incident dementia. A higher DDS was associated with a lower risk of incident dementia (HR: 0.95; 95 % CI: 0.93-0.97). Stratified analyses revealed statistical significance in this association for individuals under 65 years old (HR: 0.95; 95 % CI: 0.92-0.98), and those with higher polygenic risk scores (PRS; HR: 0.92; 95 % CI: 0.89-0.95). Among five food groups, a higher diversity score for meat and protein alternatives was associated with a lower risk of dementia (HR: 0.92; 95 % CI: 0.86-0.99).

CONCLUSION

Enhancing dietary diversity reduces dementia risk, and is potentially influenced by genetic predisposition. Consuming a diverse range of foods may be an effective strategy against dementia.

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

BACKGROUND

The 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.

METHODS

An 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.

RESULTS

A 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.

CONCLUSION

There 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 REGISTRATION

Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Record NCT04654936, May 2019.

Optimal dietary patterns for healthy aging

As the global population ages, it is critical to identify diets that, beyond preventing noncommunicable diseases, optimally promote healthy aging. Here, using longitudinal questionnaire data from the Nurses' Health Study (1986-2016) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (1986-2016), we examined the association of long-term adherence to eight dietary patterns and ultraprocessed food consumption with healthy aging, as assessed according to measures of cognitive, physical and mental health, as well as living to 70 years of age free of chronic diseases. After up to 30 years of follow-up, 9,771 (9.3%) of 105,015 participants (66% women, mean age = 53 years (s.d. = 8)) achieved healthy aging. For each dietary pattern, higher adherence was associated with greater odds of healthy aging and its domains. The odds ratios for the highest quintile versus the lowest ranged from 1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.35-1.57; healthful plant-based diet) to 1.86 (95% CI = 1.71-2.01; Alternative Healthy Eating Index). When the age threshold for healthy aging was shifted to 75 years, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index diet showed the strongest association with healthy aging, with an odds ratio of 2.24 (95% CI = 2.01-2.50). Higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes and low-fat dairy products were linked to greater odds of healthy aging, whereas higher intakes of trans fats, sodium, sugary beverages and red or processed meats (or both) were inversely associated. Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy animal-based foods, may enhance overall healthy aging, guiding future dietary guidelines.

Plasma Proteins Associated with the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet and Incident Dementia

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet slows cognitive decline and protects brain health, but the mechanisms are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the plasma proteins associated with the MIND diet score and their ability to predict incident dementia in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.

METHODS

We analyzed 10,230 Black and White participants at visit 3 (1993-1995) with food frequency questionnaire and proteomics data and randomly divided them into discovery (n = 6,850) and replication (n = 3,380) samples. We examined associations between the MIND diet score and 4,955 proteins using multivariable linear regression and elastic net regression. C-statistics were calculated to assess if proteins improved prediction of high MIND diet adherence beyond participant characteristics. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess associations between significant diet-related proteins and incident dementia over two decades. C-statistics assessed the ability of significant proteins to improve dementia prediction beyond known risk factors.

RESULTS

Of 316 proteins associated with the MIND diet score in the discovery sample at a false discovery rate < 0.05, 62 were internally replicated. Of these, 21 proteins selected by the elastic net individually improved MIND diet score prediction. After a median follow-up of 21 years, there were 2,311 dementia cases. Five diet-related proteins, thrombospondin-2 (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.11-1.29), protein ABHD14A (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.11-1.37), structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 3 (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.08-1.31), epidermal growth factor receptor (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53-0.86), and interleukin-12 subunit beta (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.25) were significantly associated with incident dementia. All five proteins individually and together improved prediction of dementia risk.

CONCLUSION

Using high-throughput proteomics, we identified candidate biomarkers of the MIND diet score and incident dementia, which are implicated in neural signaling, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory pathways.

Western Mediterranean diet predicts 9-year changes in episodic memory in an adult lifespan sample of Americans

BackgroundThe Mediterranean Diet (MD) is well-studied for slowing cognitive declines. Few studies have examined how a Western MD (wMD) may impact cognitive function.ObjectiveThis study examined whether a wMD predicted less cognitive decline over 9 years in a national sample of American adults. The measures were episodic memory (EM) and executive functioning (EF) at baseline and 9 years follow-up.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of the Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS), using a longitudinal cohort design with cross-sectional dietary data. Participants in this study had data from Waves 2 and 3 of MIDUS (n = 833, 46 ± 12 years; 45% male). Regression analyses tested whether wMD adherence predicted 9-year changes in EM and EF. Moderator analyses determined whether the relationship between wMD, EM, and EF differed across sociodemographic characteristics.ResultswMD score at Wave 2 predicted attenuated declines in EM 9 years later (β = 0.06, p = 0.04). The association between wMD and EM was not moderated by age, sex, race, education, or income and thus is consistent across sociodemographic subpopulations. wMD did not predict EF (fully adjusted wMD β = 0.00, p = 0.86). Contextualized effect sizes showed that individuals who strongly adhered to the wMD (+1 SD) experienced ∼50-60% less decline in 9-year EM when compared to those with average adherence.ConclusionsA wMD was related to slowed EM declines across sociodemographic populations in a national U.S. sample. Education is needed about healthful dietary habits, including increased fruit and vegetable intake.

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.

Aging Gut-Brain Interactions: Pro-Inflammatory Gut Bacteria Are Elevated in Fecal Samples from Individuals Living with Alzheimer's Dementia

Background/Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by an irreversible decline in cognitive function. The pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders has been linked to changes in the gut microbiota, transmitted through the gut-brain axis. Methods: We set out to establish by case-control study methodology whether there were any differences in the composition and/or function of the gut microbiota between older resident adults in care homes with or without an AD diagnosis via analysis of the microbial composition from fecal samples. Results: The microbial composition, determined by 16S rRNA gene profiling, indicated that AD sufferers had significantly increased proportions of Escherichia/Shigella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and significantly decreased proportions of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Blautia, and Roseburia species. The increase in potentially pro-inflammatory bacteria was consistent with slightly higher concentrations of calprotectin, a biomarker of gut inflammation. Fecal concentrations of most microbial metabolites measured were similar across groups, although participants with AD had significantly increased proportions of the branched-chain fatty acid, iso-butyrate, and lower overall concentrations of total short chain fatty acids. Conclusions: Participants with Alzheimer's disease have several key differences within their gut microbiota profile, in contrast to care home residents without Alzheimer's disease. The altered microbiome included both compositional and functional changes linked to poorer health and gut inflammation.

Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration, genetic risk, and the incidence of Alzheimer's disease: A prospective study of 261,933 participants

BACKGROUND

We investigated whether plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels, a genetic risk score for Alzheimer's disease, and their interaction are associated with incident Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

Using data from the UK Biobank-a population-based cohort study of adults aged 40-69 years, we assessed associations between baseline plasma β-hydroxybutyrate level, genetic risk score for Alzheimer's disease, and incident Alzheimer's disease. Incident Alzheimer's disease data were collected through linked data from hospital admissions and death registries.

RESULTS

In total, 261,933 adults were included, 1978 of whom developed incident Alzheimer's disease. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were not independently associated with Alzheimer's disease incidence after adjusting for covariates, whereas a higher genetic predisposition was linked to increased Alzheimer's disease incidence. Interactions were observed between plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations and genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease on Alzheimer's disease incidence (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are warranted to elucidate the impact of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate status on Alzheimer's disease incidence.

Microbial signatures and therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS), arise from complex interactions between genetic factors, environmental exposures, and aging. Additionally, gut dysbiosis has been linked to systemic inflammation and neurodegeneration. Advances in microbiome and metabolome profiling techniques have provided deeper insights into how alterations in gut microbiota and dietary patterns affect metabolic pathways and contribute to the progression of NDs. This review explores the profiles of gut microbiome and metabolome derived biomarkers and their roles in NDs. Across phyla, families, and genera, we identified 55 microbial alterations in PD, 24 in AD, 4 in ALS, and 17 in MS. Some notable results include an increase in Akkermansia in PD, AD, and MS and a decrease in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in PD and AD. We examined the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), sleep, exercise, and diet on the microbiota, all of which contributed to delayed onset and alleviation of symptoms. Further, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms applied to omics data have been crucial in identifying novel therapeutic targets, diagnosing and predicting prognosis, and enabling personalized medicine using microbiota-modulating therapies in NDs patients.

Hearing loss, diet, and cognitive decline: interconnections for dementia prevention

BACKGROUND

Hearing loss poses a significant global public health concern associated with cognitive decline. Among the many risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD), hearing loss is the most prevalent sensory impairment in older adults and has emerged as a significant, yet often overlooked, modifiable risk factor for dementia.

OBJECTIVES

To access 1) the association between diet and risk of hearing loss in older adults and 2) the modifying effect of diet on the impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline in an aging population.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study SETTING: The Chicago Health and Aging Project, a community-based cohort study PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5,145 older adults (62 % non-Hispanic Black, 63 % female).

MEASUREMENTS

Self-reported hearing ability was assessed during each cycle of data collection. Diet was assessed by a 144-item Food Frequency Questionnaire. Diet quality was evaluated using a 144-item Food Frequency Questionnaire, focusing on adherence to dietary patterns such as Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Mediterranean, and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND). Cognitive function assessment was conducted during the in-home visits at each cycle. Four cognitive tests, including the East Boston tests of immediate and delayed recall, the mini-mental State Examination, and the Symbol Digit Modalities test, were included. We used linear mixed effect models to examine 1) the association of hearing loss and cognitive decline and 2) the association of diet on cognitive decline through modifying risk hearing loss. Discrete-time survival analysis examined the association between dietary patterns and the time to hearing impairment.

RESULTS

Among 5,145 participants included in the analyses, 747 (14.5 %) reported hearing loss, including 207 Black adults and 199 White adults. Each unit increase in the DASH, MedDiet, and MIND scores was associated with 19 % (95 % CI: 0.79, 0.94, P < 0.001), 11 % (95 % CI: 0.79, 1.00, P = 0.05), and 13 % (95 % CI: 0.87, 0.99, P < 0.05) lower risk for hearing loss, respectively. High adherence to the Western diet was associated with an earlier onset of hearing loss up to 14 months (P < 0.05). Participants had an increased rate of cognitive decline after reporting hearing loss. During follow-up, participants in the highest tertile of the DASH diet score who reported hearing loss experienced a 17 % faster cognitive decline (β = -0.07 ± 0.01) compared to those without hearing loss (β = -0.06 ± 0.003). However, this decline was significantly slower than that of participants observed in the lowest tertile of the DASH diet, who exhibited a 67 % faster cognitive decline (β = -0.10 ± 0.012, P = 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Healthy dietary patterns, particularly the DASH diet, was associated with a reduced risk of hearing loss and slower cognitive decline following hearing loss. Clinically, these findings underscore the importance of dietary quality in preserving cognitive health by potentially mitigating risk of hearing loss or delaying the onset of hearing loss in older adults.

Functional diversification of dietary plant small molecules by the gut microbiome

Plants are composed of diverse secondary metabolites (PSMs), which are widely associated with human health. Whether and how the gut microbiome mediates such impacts of PSMs is poorly understood. Here, we show that discrete dietary and medicinal phenolic glycosides, abundant health-associated PSMs, are utilized by distinct members of the human gut microbiome. Within the Bacteroides, the predominant gram-negative bacteria of the Western human gut, we reveal a specialized multi-enzyme system dedicated to the processing of distinct glycosides based on structural differences in phenolic moieties. This Bacteroides metabolic system liberates chemically distinct aglycones with diverse biological functions, such as colonization resistance against the gut pathogen Clostridioides difficile via anti-microbial activation of polydatin to the stilbene resveratrol and intestinal homeostasis via activation of salicin to the immunoregulatory aglycone saligenin. Together, our results demonstrate generation of biological diversity of phenolic aglycone "effector" functions by a distinct gut-microbiome-encoded PSM-processing system.

Neuro-Nutrition and Exercise Synergy: Exploring the Bioengineering of Cognitive Enhancement and Mental Health Optimization

The interplay between nutrition, physical activity, and mental health has emerged as a frontier in bioengineering research, offering innovative pathways for enhancing cognitive function and psychological resilience. This review explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of tailored nutritional strategies and exercise interventions on brain health and mental well-being. Key topics include the role of micronutrients and macronutrients in modulating neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, the impact of exercise-induced myokines and neurotrophins on cognitive enhancement, and the integration of wearable bioelectronics for personalized monitoring and optimization. By bridging the disciplines of nutrition, psychology, and sports science with cutting-edge bioengineering, this review highlights translational opportunities for developing targeted interventions that advance mental health outcomes. These insights are particularly relevant for addressing global challenges such as stress, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. The article concludes with a roadmap for future research, emphasizing the potential of bioengineered solutions to revolutionize preventive and therapeutic strategies in mental health care.

The Food Resources and Kitchen Skills intervention: Protocol of a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with food insecurity are disproportionately burdened by hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes and face greater barriers to self-managing these conditions.

METHODS

Food Resources and Kitchen Skills (FoRKS) is an ongoing 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will enroll 200 adults (35-75 y) with food insecurity and elevated systolic blood pressure (≥120 mmHg) at a large federally qualified health center (FQHC) network in Central Indiana. Blood pressure is measured using an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device. The (FoRKS, N = 100) intervention integrates hypertension self-management education and support (SMES) with a home-delivered ingredient kit and cooking skills program (16 weeks). Enhanced Usual Care (EUC, N = 100) includes usual care services by the FQHC network, SMES classes (separate from FoRKS), and grocery assistance. This paper describes the protocol for this RCT that will: 1) test the efficacy of FoRKS compared to EUC for reducing systolic blood pressure using an intention to treat protocol, 2) identify behavior change levers (e.g., engagement, social support) and their associations with change in food insecurity, diet quality, and systolic blood pressure, 3) examine the maintenance of outcomes, and 4) assess cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing that a food insecurity and SMES intervention, compared to usual care services, is feasible in FQHCs and efficacious for improving blood pressure and related outcomes would have important public health implications. Understanding the behavior change levers of FoRKS that are associated with changes in health outcomes, whether these outcomes are maintained, and its cost-effectiveness will inform future efforts to address health disparities.

Longitudinal and concurrent C-reactive protein and diet associations with cognitive function in the population-based Tromsø study

BACKGROUND

Immune dysregulation has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease; however, precise mechanisms and timing have not been established.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the concurrent and longitudinal associations of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and dietary inflammatory index (DII) with cognitive decline as observed in Alzheimer's disease.

METHODS

The study was based on 7613 individuals who participated in Tromsø6 (2007-2008) and Tromsø7 (2015-2016). We analyzed the relationship between CRP levels, DII, and cognitive function cross-sectionally using linear regression. We used mediation analysis to examine if CRP mediates the effects of DII on cognitive function. Further, we related baseline serum CRP to cognitive function and to change in cognitive function after 7 years of follow up. We used linear mixed models to relate changes in CRP levels to changes in cognitive function measured at two time points with 7 years apart.

RESULTS

Both CRP level and DII were cross-sectionally inversely associated with cognitive function (psychomotor speed, executive function). There was no prospective relationship between CRP level at baseline and cognitive function after 7 years of follow up. Increase in CRP levels was associated with decrease in cognitive function (psychomotor speed, executive function, and verbal memory) observed between two measurements 7 years apart. The mediation model did not show convincing evidence of a mediating effect of CRP in the association between diet and cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS

After comprehensive analysis of associations between CRP, DII and cognitive function, we conclude that CRP is likely to reflect the changes in inflammatory environment occurring in parallel with cognitive decline.

Nutrition: A non-negligible factor in the pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction. The strong link between nutrition and the occurrence and progression of AD pathology has been well documented. Poor nutritional status accelerates AD progress by potentially aggravating amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau deposition, exacerbating oxidative stress response, modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and disrupting blood-brain barrier function. The advanced stage of AD tends to lead to malnutrition due to cognitive impairments, sensory dysfunctions, brain atrophy, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). This, in turn, produces a vicious cycle between malnutrition and AD. This review discusses how nutritional factors and AD deteriorate each other from the early stage of AD to the terminal stages of AD, focusing on the potential of different levels of nutritional factors, ranging from micronutrients to diet patterns. This review provides novel insights into reducing the risk of AD, delaying its progression, and improving prognosis. HIGHLIGHTS: Two-fifths of Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases worldwide have been attributed to potentially modifiable risk factors. Up to ≈26% of community-dwelling patients with AD are malnourished, compared to 7%∼76% of institutionalized patients. Undernutrition effects the onset, progression, and prognosis of AD through multiple mechanisms. Various levels of nutritional supports were confirmed to be protective factors for AD via specific mechanisms.

Characterization of cognitive decline in long-duration type 1 diabetes by cognitive, neuroimaging, and pathological examinations

BACKGROUNDWe aimed to characterize factors associated with the under-studied complication of cognitive decline in aging people with long-duration type 1 diabetes (T1D).METHODSJoslin "Medalists" (n = 222; T1D ≥ 50 years) underwent cognitive testing. Medalists (n = 52) and age-matched nondiabetic controls (n = 20) underwent neuro- and retinal imaging. Brain pathology (n = 26) was examined. Relationships among clinical, cognitive, and neuroimaging parameters were evaluated.RESULTSCompared with controls, Medalists had worse psychomotor function and recall, which associated with female sex, lower visual acuity, reduced physical activity, longer diabetes duration, and higher inflammatory cytokines. On neuroimaging, compared with controls, Medalists had significantly lower total and regional brain volumes, equivalent to 9 years of accelerated aging, but small vessel disease markers did not differ. Reduced brain volumes associated with female sex, reduced psychomotor function, worse visual acuity, longer diabetes duration, and higher inflammation, but not with glycemic control. Worse cognitive function, lower brain volumes, and diabetic retinopathy correlated with thinning of the outer retinal nuclear layer. Worse baseline visual acuity associated with declining psychomotor function in longitudinal analysis. Brain volume mediated the association between visual acuity and psychomotor function by 57%. Brain pathologies showed decreased volumes, but predominantly mild vascular or Alzheimer's-related pathology.CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study of cognitive function, neuroimaging, and pathology in aging T1D individuals demonstrated that cognitive decline was related to parenchymal rather than neurovascular abnormalities, unlike type 2 diabetes, suggestive of accelerated aging in T1D. Improving visual acuity could perhaps be an important preventive measure against cognitive decline in people with T1D.FUNDINGThe Beatson Foundation, NIH/NIDDK grants 3P30DK036836-34S1 and P30DK036836-37, and Mary Iacocca fellowships.

Weight trajectories in aging humanized APOE mice with translational validity to human Alzheimer's risk population: A retrospective analysis

Translational validity of mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is variable. Because change in weight is a well-documented precursor of AD, we investigated whether diversity of human AD risk weight phenotypes was evident in a longitudinally characterized cohort of 1,196 female and male humanized APOE (hAPOE) mice, monitored up to 28 months of age which is equivalent to 81 human years. Autoregressive Hidden Markov Model (AHMM) incorporating age, sex, and APOE genotype was employed to identify emergent weight trajectories and phenotypes. In the hAPOE-AD mouse cohort, five distinct weight trajectories emerged: three trajectories were associated with a weight loss phenotype (36% of mice, n = 426), one with weight gain (13% of mice, n = 152), and one trajectory of no change in weight (34% of mice, n = 403). The AHMM model findings were validated with post-hoc survival analyses, revealing differences in survival rates across the five identified phenotypes. Further validation was performed using body composition and plasma β-amyloid data from mice within the identified gain, loss and stable weight trajectories. Weight gain trajectory was associated with elevated plasma β-amyloid levels, higher body fat composition, lower survival rates and a greater proportion of APOE4/4 carriers. In contrast, weight loss was associated with greater proportion of hAPOE3/4 carriers, better survival rates and was predominantly male. The association between weight change and AD risk observed in humans was mirrored in the hAPOE-AD mouse model. Weight trajectories of APOE3/3 mice were equally distributed across weight gain, loss and stability. Surprisingly, despite genetic uniformity, comparable housing, diet and handling, distinct weight trajectories and divergence points emerged for subpopulations. These data are consistent with the heterogeneity observed in the human population for change in body weight during aging and highlight the importance of longitudinal phenotypic characterization of mouse aging to advance the translational validity of preclinical AD mouse models.

Dietary Intake, Mediterranean and Nordic Diet Adherence in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Dementia is not a single disease but an umbrella term that encompasses a range of symptoms, such as memory loss and cognitive impairments, which are severe enough to disrupt daily life. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a complex neurodegenerative condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent research has highlighted diet as a potential modifiable risk factor for AD. Decades of research have explored the role of dietary patterns, including the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and its components, in neuroprotection and cognitive health. Systematic review examines studies investigating the impact of the Mediterranean Diet, Mediterranean-like diets, the Nordic Diet (ND), dietary intake patterns, and specific components such as extra virgin olive oil and rapeseed oil on cognitive function, disease onset, and progression in AD and dementia.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, the Directory of Open Access Journals, and the Social Science Research Network was conducted independently by two reviewers using predefined search terms. The search period included studies from 2006 to 2024. Eligible studies meeting the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed, yielding 88 studies: 85 focused on the MD and its relationship to AD and dementia, while only 3 investigated the ND.

RESULTS

The findings suggest that adherence to the Mediterranean and Nordic diets is generally associated with improved cognitive function and delayed cognitive decline and that adherence to both these diets can improve cognitive function. Some studies identified that higher legume consumption decreased dementia incidence, while fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates, and eggs lowered dementia prevalence. Most studies demonstrated that high MD or ND adherence was associated with better cognitive function and a lower risk of poor cognition in comparison to individuals with lower MD or ND adherence. However, some studies reported no significant benefits of the MD on cognitive outcomes, while two studies indicated that higher red meat consumption was linked to better cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

Despite promising trends, the evidence remains varying across studies, underscoring the need for further research to establish definitive associations between diet and cognitive function. These findings highlight the essential role of dietary interventions in the prevention and management of dementia and AD, therefore offering critical insights into the underlying mechanisms by which the diet may impact brain health.

The role of the Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of cognitive impairement, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis

Age-related cognitive impairment and dementia pose a significant global health, social, and economic challenge. While Alzheimer's disease (AD) has historically been viewed as the leading cause of dementia, recent evidence reveals the considerable impact of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), which now accounts for nearly half of all dementia cases. The Mediterranean diet-characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil-has been widely recognized for its cardiovascular benefits and may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. To investigate the protective effects of the Mediterranean diet on cognitive health, we conducted a systematic literature review using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2024. The studies included in the meta-nalysis examined the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the incidence of dementia and AD. We applied a random-effects model to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and assessed heterogeneity through I-square statistics. Forest plots, funnel plots, and Z-score plots were used to visualize study outcomes. Of the 324 full-text records reviewed, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. The combined HR for cognitive impairment among those adhering to the Mediterranean diet was 0.82 (95% CI 0.75-0.89); for dementia, the HR was 0.89 (95% CI 0.83-0.95); and for AD, the HR was 0.70 (95% CI 0.60-0.82), indicating substantial protective effects. Significant heterogeneity was observed across studies, though Z-score plots suggested sufficient sample sizes to support reliable conclusions for each condition. In conclusion, this meta-analysis confirms that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with an 11-30% reduction in the risk of age-related cognitive disorders, including cognitive impairment, dementia, and AD. These findings underscore the Mediterranean diet's potential as a central element in neuroprotective public health strategies to mitigate the global impact of cognitive decline and dementia and to promote healthier cognitive aging.

Association of accelerometer-derived physical activity with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with cardiovascular diseases: a prospective cohort study

AIMS

To investigate the association of accelerometer-measured intensity-specific physical activity (PA) with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this prospective cohort study, 8024 individuals with pre-existing CVD (mean age: 66.6 years, female: 34.1%) from the UK Biobank had their PA measured using wrist-worn accelerometers over a 7-day period in 2013-2015. All-cause, cancer, and CVD mortality was ascertained from death registries. Cox regression modelling and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the associations. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were used to estimate the proportion of preventable deaths if more PA was undertaken. During a median follow-up of 6.8 years, 691 deaths (273 from cancer and 219 from CVD) were recorded. An inverse non-linear association was found between PA duration and all-cause mortality risk, irrespective of PA intensity. The hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality plateaued at 1800 min/week for light-intensity PA (LPA), 320 min/week for moderate-intensity PA (MPA), and 15 min/week for vigorous-intensity PA (VPA). The highest quartile of PA was associated with lower risks for all-cause mortality, with HRs of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51-0.79), 0.42 (0.33-0.54), and 0.47 (0.37-0.60) for LPA, MPA, and VPA, respectively. Similar associations were observed for cancer and CVD mortality. Additionally, the highest PAFs were noted for VPA, followed by MPA.

CONCLUSION

We found an inverse non-linear association between all intensities of PA (LPA, MPA, VPA, and MVPA) and mortality risk in CVD patients using accelerometer-derived data, but with a larger magnitude of the associations than that in previous studies based on self-reported PA.

Proteomic signatures of healthy dietary patterns are associated with lower risks of major chronic diseases and mortality

Healthy dietary patterns have been linked to a decreased risk of chronic diseases. However, it remains uncertain whether proteomic signatures can reflect proteome response to healthy diet patterns, and whether these proteomic signatures are associated with health outcomes. Using data from the UK Biobank including Olink plasma proteins, we identified substantial proteomic variation in relation to adherence to eight healthy dietary patterns. The proteomic signatures, reflecting adherence and proteome response to healthy dietary patterns, were prospectively associated with lower risks of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic kidney diseases and cancers, along with longer life expectancy, even after adjusting for corresponding dietary patterns. These findings suggest proteomic signatures have the potential to complement traditional dietary assessments and deepen our understanding of the relationships between dietary patterns and chronic diseases.

Disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease: Clinical trial progress and opportunity

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved lecanemab and donanemab for the treatment of early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD) after their phase III trials reached endpoints. These two anti-amyloid β monoclonal antibodies represent the latest promise of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for AD, which undoubtedly reignites new hope for DMTs to combat the staggering financial and human costs of AD. However, in addition to these two successful antibodies, there have been enormous efforts to develop DMTs in various aspects to meet the therapeutic requirement of AD. In this review, we delineate the core principles and methodologies of diverse DMTs, covering the advances in clinical trials of drug candidates that either have been discontinued, completed, or are ongoing, as well as brain stimulation and lifestyle interventions. In addition, by overseeing the fate of various candidate molecules, we hope to provide references and ideas for prospective approaches and promising applications of DTMs for AD, particularly in terms of universality and clinical application economics, to optimize efficacy and maximize AD patient benefits in the future.

Dietary interventions in mitigating the impact of environmental pollutants on Alzheimer's disease - A review

Numerous studies linking environmental pollutants to oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotoxicity have assigned pollutants to several neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Heavy metals, pesticides, air pollutants, and endocrine disruptor chemicals have been shown to play important roles in AD development, with some traditional functions in amyloid-β formation, tau kinase action, and neuronal degeneration. However, pharmacological management and supplementation have resulted in limited improvement. This raises the interesting possibility that activities usually considered preventive, including diet, exercise, or mental activity, might be more similar to treatment or therapy for AD. This review focuses on the effects of diet on the effects of environmental pollutants on AD. One of the primary issues addressed in this review is a group of specific diets, including the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Mediterranean-DASH intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), which prevent exposure to these toxins. Such diets have been proven to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, which are unfavorable for neuronal growth. Furthermore, they contribute to positive changes in the composition of the human gut microbiota and thus encourage interactions in the Gut-Brain Axis, reducing inflammation caused by pollutants. This review emphasizes a multi-professional approach with reference to nutritional activities that would lower the neurotoxic load in populations with a high level of exposure to pollutants. Future studies focusing on diet and environment association plans may help identify preventive measures aimed at enhancing current disease deceleration.

Association of MIND diet with cognitive decline among Black and White older adults

INTRODUCTION

We examined the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet's association with cognitive decline by race among older adults in the Chicago Health and Aging Project.

METHODS

Five thousand two hundred fifty-nine participants (73.5 [± 6.0] years, 62% Black participants, 62% female) completed a food frequency questionnaire, and two or more cognitive assessments over 7.8 ± 4.6 years.

RESULTS

Overall, higher MIND diet was associated with slower cognitive decline (p for trend = 0.0025). The MIND score (range:0-15) was different between Black and White older adults(6.97 vs. 7.12, p = 0.010). Compared to the lowest tertile, among White participants, the two highest tertiles (MIND score -7: β = 0.0121 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0006, 0.0237]; MIND score -8.5: β = 0.0146 [95% CI: 0.0003, 0.0260]) and among Black participants, only the highest tertile (MIND score -8.5: β = 0.0088 [95% CI: 0.0003, 0.0172]) had association with cognitive decline. Vascular and lifestyle factors attenuated the association only for Black older adults.

DISCUSSION

The MIND diet was associated with slower cognitive decline in Black and White older adults, but this may vary with other lifestyle and vascular factors. Further research is warranted on race-specific cultural diets considering other risk factors for cognitive decline.

HIGHLIGHTS

The intake of Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet components varies by race. The MIND diet may slow cognitive decline in both Black and White older adults. This association may vary with other lifestyle and vascular risk factors.

DNA Methylation Signature of a Lifestyle-based Resilience Index for Cognitive Health

Cognitive resilience (CR) contributes to the variability in risk for developing and progressing in Alzheimer's disease (AD) among individuals. Beyond genetics, recent studies highlight the critical role of lifestyle factors in enhancing CR and delaying cognitive decline. DNA methylation (DNAm), an epigenetic mechanism influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including CR-related lifestyle factors, offers a promising pathway for understanding the biology of CR. We studied DNAm changes associated with the Resilience Index (RI), a composite measure of lifestyle factors, using blood samples from the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) cohort. After corrections for multiple comparisons, our analysis identified 19 CpGs and 24 differentially methylated regions significantly associated with the RI, adjusting for covariates age, sex, APOE ε4, and immune cell composition. The RI-associated methylation changes are significantly enriched in pathways related to lipid metabolism, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation, and highlight the connection between cardiovascular health and cognitive function. By identifying RI-associated DNAm, our study provided an alternative approach to discovering future targets and treatment strategies for AD, complementary to the traditional approach of identifying disease-associated variants directly. Furthermore, we developed a Methylation-based Resilience Score (MRS) that successfully predicted future cognitive decline in an external dataset from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), even after accounting for age, sex, APOE ε4, years of education, baseline diagnosis, and baseline MMSE score. Our findings are particularly relevant for a better understanding of epigenetic architecture underlying cognitive resilience. Importantly, the significant association between baseline MRS and future cognitive decline demonstrated that DNAm could be a predictive marker for AD, laying the foundation for future studies on personalized AD prevention.

Adherence to MIND Diet and Risk of Recurrent Depressive Symptoms: Prospective Whitehall II Cohort Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study examined the association between adherence to the Mediterranean dietary approaches to stop hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, its components, and recurrent depressive symptoms (DepSs).

METHODS

The analyses included 4824 participants (73% men, mean age = 61; SD = 5.9) from the British Whitehall II cohort study. The MIND diet scores were derived from a validated 127-item food frequency questionnaire in 2002-2004. DepSs were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (score ≥ 16) or by use of antidepressant drugs, and recurrence was defined as having DepSs in at least two of the four repeated measurements in the 2002-2004, 2007-2009, 2012-2013, and 2015-2016 follow-up phases.

RESULTS

Recurrent DepSs were observed in 13.3% of the participants over 13 years of follow-up. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest tertile of the MIND diet score (where a higher score represents a higher diet quality) had 26% lower odds of experiencing recurrent DepSs (OR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.58-0.93) compared to those in the lowest tertile. In mutually adjusted analyses of 14 MIND diet components in relation to recurrent DepSs, independent associations were observed for green leafy vegetables (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.45-0.78), other vegetables (OR = 0.43, 95% CI:0.24-0.77), and berries (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

In this British prospective cohort, good adherence to the MIND diet, particularly to the recommendations for vegetables and berries, was associated with a lower risk of recurrent depressive symptoms, independent of socio-economic, health behavior, and health status factors, including baseline cognitive impairment and antecedents of DepSs.

Healthy Dietary Patterns and Lower Atherosclerosis in High-Risk Individuals

Background

This study investigates associations between diet patterns and the risk of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAD) in individuals with preexisting hypertension (HTN) or myocardial infarction (MI).

Method

676 autopsied participants (mean age at death =91.1±6.1, 71% women) of a longitudinal clinical neuropathological cohort study, with complete dietary and neuropathology data, were included. Diet scores were computed (median interval to death = 5.9 (3.0, 8.7 years). HTN and MI history was self-reported. Large vessel atherosclerosis was evaluated at the circle of Willis, and severity of intracranial atherosclerosis was assessed based on number of atherosclerotic plaques, extent of vessel involvement, and degree of vessel occlusion to create a 4-level grading system (0-3). All regression models were adjusted for age, sex, education, caloric intake, and APOE4.

Results

Of the 676 subjects, 361 (53%) had mild, 142 (21%) had moderate, and 29 (5%) had severe atherosclerosis. There was no direct relationship between diet and atherosclerosis. The relationship between ICAD and MI (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 0.95, 2.00) showed a nonsignificant trend. HTN (OR = 1.598, 95% CI = 1.15, 2.18) was positively associated with intracranial atherosclerosis. The association of diet with intracranial atherosclerosis differed by history of MI (MIND (p=0.007), MedDiet (p=0.006)). The association between ICAD and the MIND diet also differed by whether HTN was reported (β=-0.212, SE= 0.111, p=0.055) as did the relationship between ICAD and the MedDiet (β = -0.077, SE= 0.035, p=0.029). In stratified analysis, among individuals with preexisting MI (N=130), those with a better diet had lower odds of intracranial atherosclerosis (MedDiet: OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.81, 0.96; MIND: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53, 0.90).

Conclusion

A healthy dietary pattern is associated with lower odds of severe intracranial large vessel atherosclerosis in high-risk older adults. In-vivo studies of dietary habits and brain health, specifically in those at high vascular risk are needed.

Association of serum vitamin C concentrations with Alzheimer's disease mortality among U.S. adults

BACKGROUND

The association between vitamin C status and Alzheimer's disease (AD) mortality remains unclear.

METHODS

A total of 4864 adults aged 60 years or above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III 1988-1994 were included in this study. Serum vitamin C levels were measured by the fully automated electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Death and underlying causes of death were ascertained by linkage to death records through December 31, 2019. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association between serum vitamin C and AD mortality.

RESULTS

During 65,251 person-years of follow-up (a median follow-up of 12.0 years), 158 deaths occurred from AD. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, lifestyle and dietary factors, body mass index, baseline diseases and vitamin C supplement use, compared with participants with deficiency serum vitamin C concentrations (< 53 µmol/L), the multivariate-adjusted HR (95% CI) for AD mortality was 0.62 (0.39-0.99) for participants with adequate serum vitamin C concentrations (53-70 µmol/L) and 0.64 (0.34-1.18) for participants with saturate serum vitamin C concentrations (> 70 µmol/L).

CONCLUSION

In this nationally representative sample of US adults, higher serum vitamin C was significantly associated with lower risk of AD mortality. These findings suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin C status may aid in lowering AD mortality risk.

Alzheimer's Disease as Type 3 Diabetes: Understanding the Link and Implications

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two prevalent conditions that present considerable public health issue in aging populations worldwide. Recent research has proposed a novel conceptualization of AD as "type 3 diabetes", highlighting the critical roles of insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism in the pathogenesis of the disease. This article examines the implications of this association, exploring potential new avenues for treatment and preventive strategies for AD. Key evidence linking diabetes to AD emphasizes critical metabolic processes that contribute to neurodegeneration, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and alterations in insulin signaling pathways. By framing AD within this metabolic context, we can enhance our understanding of its etiology, which in turn may influence early diagnosis, treatment plans, and preventive measures. Understanding AD as a manifestation of diabetes opens up the possibility of employing novel therapeutic strategies that incorporate lifestyle modifications and the use of antidiabetic medications to mitigate cognitive decline. This integrated approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and deepen our comprehension of the intricate relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders.

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.

Progress of research and application of non-pharmacologic intervention in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangles formed by high phosphorylation of tau protein. At present, drug therapy is the main strategy of AD treatment, but its effects are limited to delaying or alleviating AD. Recently, non-pharmacologic intervention has attracted more attention, and more studies have confirmed that non-pharmacologic intervention in AD can improve the patient's cognitive function and quality of life. This paper summarizes the current non-pharmacologic intervention in AD, to provide useful supplementary means for AD intervention.

Microglia and gut microbiota: A double-edged sword in Alzheimer's disease

The strong association between gut microbiota (GM) and brain functions such as mood, behaviour, and cognition has been well documented. Gut-brain axis is a unique bidirectional communication system between the gut and brain, in which gut microbes play essential role in maintaining various molecular and cellular processes. GM interacts with the brain through various pathways and processes including, metabolites, vagus nerve, HPA axis, endocrine system, and immune system to maintain brain homeostasis. GM dysbiosis, or an imbalance in GM, is associated with several neurological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Conversely, AD is sustained by microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Further, GM and their products also affect microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Despite the evidence connecting GM dysbiosis and AD progression, the involvement of GM in modulating microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in AD remains elusive. Importantly, deciphering the mechanism/s by which GM regulates microglia-dependent neuroinflammation may be helpful in devising potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate AD. Herein, we review the current evidence regarding the involvement of GM dysbiosis in microglia activation and neuroinflammation in AD. We also discuss the possible mechanisms through which GM influences the functioning of microglia and its implications for therapeutic intervention. Further, we explore the potential of microbiota-targeted interventions, such as prebiotics, probiotics, faecal microbiota transplantation, etc., as a novel therapeutic strategy to mitigate neuroinflammation and AD progression. By understanding and exploring the gut-brain axis, we aspire to revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, many of which share a common theme of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Total physical activity, plant-based diet and neurodegenerative diseases: A prospective cohort study of the UK biobank

INTRODUCTION

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) result from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and aging factors. A balanced diet and adequate physical activity (PA) are recognized as pivotal components among modifiable environmental factors. The independent impact on NDD incidence has been previously debated. This investigation seeks to delineate the association between PA and NDDs across various levels of adherence to a plant-based diet.

METHODS

In this study, a cohort of 368,934 participants from the UK Biobank was analyzed. Total physical activity (TPA) levels and healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) were calculated and categorized. A multiple adjusted Cox model was utilized to evaluate the influence of TPA and hPDI on common NDDs, respectively.

RESULTS

Finally, 4602 identified cases diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We found that higher TPA was significantly associated with a reduced risk of developing AD (Q3: HR 0.87; Q4: HR 0.78) and PD (Q3: HR 0.86; Q4: HR 0.81). The protective effect was further accentuated with adherence to a plant-based diet. However, these connections were not observed in the analysis of ALS regardless of dietary patterns.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore a significant association between higher TPA and reduced risks of AD and PD, with an enhanced effect observed in conjunction with a plant-based diet. This study contributes to addressing the knowledge gap regarding the combined impact of TPA and a plant-based diet on NDDs occurrence, providing insights into potential underlying mechanisms.

External validation of dementia prediction models in Black or African American and White older adults: A longitudinal population-based study in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Identifying people at high risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia allows for timely intervention, which, if successful, will result in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.

METHODS

Utilizing data from the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP; n = 2130), we externally evaluated four risk-prediction models for AD dementia, including Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE), Australian National University Alzheimer's Disease Risk Index (ANU-ADRI), Brief Dementia Screening Indicator (BDSI), and Dementia Risk Score (DRS), in Black or African American and White adults.

RESULTS

BDSI had the highest discriminate abilities for AD dementia (c-statistics of 0.79 in Black and 0.77 in White adults), followed by ANU-ADRI, within the age range and follow-up period of the original development cohort. CAIDE had the lowest discriminating power (c-statistic ≤0.55). With increasing follow-up periods (i.e., 10-15 years), the discrimination abilities for all models declined.

DISCUSSION

Because of racial disparities in AD dementia and longer preclinical and prodromal stages of disease development, race-specific models are needed to predict AD risk over 10 years.

HIGHLIGHTS

Utilizing risk-prediction models to identify individuals at higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia could benefit clinicians, patients, and policymakers. Clinicians could enroll high-risk individuals in clinical trials to test new risk-modifiable treatments or initiate lifestyle modifications, which, if successful, would slow cognitive decline and delay the onset of the disease. Current risk-prediction models had good discriminative power during the first 6 years of follow-up but decreased with longer follow-up time. Acknowledging the longer preclinical phase of AD dementia development and racial differences in dementia risk, there is a need to develop race-specific risk-prediction models that can predict 10 or 20 years of risk for AD and related dementias.

Boosting Brain Health: Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Neurodegenerative Disease

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia are becoming more common with an aging population, and the numbers are expected to rise. These conditions can have a significant impact on patients, family, and health care systems. Lifestyle changes including physical activity, nutrition, quality sleep, socialization, cognitive activity and mental stimulation, routine medical care, and mental health care have the potential to prevent cognitive and functional decline and optimize daily living in all individuals, including those with MCI and early neurodegenerative disease. Brain Boosters is an important group intervention used to provide psychoeducation on lifestyle factors and strategies that can improve brain health, cognition, and functioning.

The Role of Greek Olive Leaf Extract in Patients with Mild Alzheimer's Disease (the GOLDEN Study): A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Olive leaves are a significant source of biophenols, which have a beneficial impact on cognitive performance. Objective: To examine, for the first time, in humans the effect of the daily consumption of a beverage containing olive leaf extract (OLE) versus a Mediterranean diet (MeDi) on patients diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's Disease (AD), in addition to their regular treatment. Methods: A randomized clinical trial compared OLE's effects on cognitive and functional performance in 55 mild AD patients. Each participant was randomly assigned to two groups: (1) Group 1 was given olive leaves for making a daily beverage and MeDi instructions through monthly diet programs; (2) Group 2 received only the MeDi instructions. After six months, all participants underwent a second neuropsychological evaluation. Results: Group 1 participants had statistically significantly higher MMSE scores compared to Group 2 with a p-value of 0.0135. Specifically, the mean MMSE difference in patients receiving OLE was close to 0, indicating no memory deterioration, whereas in controls it was -4.1, indicative of cognitive decline. The remaining neuropsychological assessments (FRSSD, FUCAS, ADAS-Cog, CDR, GDS, and NPI) revealed better results in the OLE group, except for GDS, which showed no change, but without statistically significant differences between the two groups.

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

BACKGROUND

The 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.

METHODS

This 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.

RESULTS

This 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.

CONCLUSION

The 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.

Onset of cognitive impairment, diet quality and adherence to dietary guidelines over 12 years: the Personality and Total Health Cohort Study

Around 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, and more are expected due to population ageing. We aimed to investigate associations between healthy diet and mild cognitive impairment and dementia in 1753 older adults aged 60-64 from the PATH (Personality and Total Health Through Life Cohort) study. Healthy diet was defined by the Mediterranean-DASH diet Intervention for Neurological Delay (MIND) and two dietary guideline quality scores (Dietary Guideline Index (DGI) and Index Diet Quality (IDQ)), which were calculated from baseline FFQ. Higher dietary scores indicated higher diet quality. Incidence of Alzheimer's disease/vascular dementia (National Institute of Neurological Disorders criteria) and mild cognitive impairment (Winbald criteria) was assessed after 12 years of follow-up using validated questionnaires with nominated proxies. Logistic regression explored associations between dietary scores and cognitive function, adjusting for demographics, lifestyle factors and medical preconditions. Adjusted logistic regression comparing the per unit linear increase in diet scores showed MIND (OR = 0·82, 95 % CI = 0·68, 0·99), but not DGI (0·99 (0·97, 1·00)) or IDQ (1·12 (0·95, 1·32)), was significantly associated with lower odds of developing cognitive impairment. In conclusion, a healthier neuroprotective dietary pattern is associated with better cognitive function over time, whereas dietary patterns generated from general dietary guidelines did not show a significant association. Further research and well-designed clinical studies are needed to determine the effects of the MIND diet on cognitive impairment in older adults without a family history of dementia.

Feasibility of the MIND+SOUL Culturally Tailored Brain Healthy Diet: A Pilot Study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately impacts Black Americans, who are three times more likely to develop AD. While heart-healthy diets have shown potential in reducing AD risk, research on adapted dietary interventions for Black American communities remains limited. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted brain healthy diet intervention (MIND + SOUL) and explored changes in cardiometabolic risk and cognition. Twenty-nine participants completed the 12-week intervention, which included culturally tailored health education, cooking classes, health coaching, and groceries. Feasibility was assessed by attendance and retention rates, while acceptability was measured by two questionnaires. Participants had a mean age of 70.3, with 10.3% male. The intervention demonstrated high feasibility (89.3% retention) and acceptability (mean = 71.9, SD = 8.59), with meaningful improvements in body mass index (estimate = -0.54, P = 0.009), dietary intake (estimate = 28.39, P = 0.042), and executive function (estimate = 3.32, P < 0.001). However, no significant changes in blood-based biomarkers were observed. The MIND + SOUL intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, improvements in body composition, cognitive function, and dietary behaviors, despite no significant changes in blood-based biomarkers. Findings suggest potential benefits for reducing AD risk factors and promoting healthy aging. Clinical Trials Registry: ClinicalTrials.Gov; NCT05414682.

Association of Adherence to a MIND-Style Diet With the Risk of Cognitive Impairment and Decline in the REGARDS Cohort

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diet may influence the development of cognitive impairment and affect cognitive decline, but whether this relationship varies between Black American and White American people is unclear. This study examined the association of Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) and incident cognitive impairment and cognitive trajectories in a biracial prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Using data derived from the Food Frequency Questionnaire in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study, we compared MIND diet adherence with incident cognitive impairment and cognitive trajectory in Black participants and White participants. Logistic regression was used to model MIND diet score (continuous variable and using tertiles) and incident cognitive impairment after adjusting for age, sex, race, region, education, income, total energy, hypertension history, dyslipidemia, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, ischemic heart conditions, atrial fibrillation, and lifestyle factors including sedentary, obesity, and smoking. Mixed-effects models were used to examine the association between cognitive trajectory and MIND diet adherence.

RESULTS

Dietary data to calculate the MIND diet score and cognitive data were available on 14,145 participants with a mean age of 64 years (SD 9.0 years) that was 56.7% female. Greater MIND diet adherence was associated with a decreased incidence of cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99, p = 0.02) after adjusting for all covariates. In the fully adjusted model, greater MIND diet adherence was associated with decreased risk of cognitive impairment in female participants (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.96, p < 0.001) but not in male participants (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.97-1.06, p = 0.64). In all models, greater MIND diet adherence was associated with decreased risk of cognitive decline. MIND diet adherence was a better predictor of cognitive decline in Black participants (β = 0.04, SE = 0.007, p < 0.001) than in White participants (β = 0.03, SE = 0.004, p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Greater MIND diet adherence was associated with decreased risk of cognitive impairment in female participants but not male participants, with no difference between Black participants and White participants. However, MIND diet adherence was a better predictor of cognitive trajectory in Black participants than in White participants.

Serum metabolite signature of the modified Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet

INTRODUCTION

There is a lack of biomarkers of clinically important diets, such as the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet.

OBJECTIVES

Our study explored serum metabolites associated with adherence to the MIND diet.

METHODS

In 3,908 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study participants, we calculated a modified MIND diet score based on a 66-item self-reported food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The modified score did not include berries and olive oil, as these items were not assessed in the FFQ. We used multivariable linear regression models in 2 subgroups of ARIC study participants and meta-analyzed results using fixed effects regression to identify significant metabolites after Bonferroni correction. We also examined associations between these metabolites and food components of the modified MIND diet. C-statistics evaluated the prediction of high modified MIND diet adherence using significant metabolites beyond participant characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 360 metabolites analyzed, 27 metabolites (15 positive, 12 negative) were significantly associated with the modified MIND diet score (lipids, n = 13; amino acids, n = 5; xenobiotics, n = 3; cofactors and vitamins, n = 3; carbohydrates n = 2; nucleotide n = 1). The top 4 metabolites that improved the prediction of high dietary adherence to the modified MIND diet were 7-methylxanthine, theobromine, docosahexaenoate (DHA), and 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoate (CMPF).

CONCLUSION

Twenty-seven metabolomic markers were correlated with the modified MIND diet. The biomarkers, if further validated, could be useful to objectively assess adherence to the MIND diet.

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

BACKGROUND

Previous 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.

METHODS

This 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.

RESULTS

In 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).

CONCLUSIONS

The 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.

Epigenetics as a link between environmental factors and dementia risk

Dementia encompasses a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric disease states marked by cognitive impairments that interfere with day-to-day functioning. Most dementias are complex phenotypes that result from a genome-environment interplay. Epigenetic regulation has emerged as a candidate mechanism for studying this interplay. In this narrative review, we discuss state-of-the-art evidence on environmental exposures relevant to dementia, including nutrition, physical exercise, psychosocial stress, and environmental toxins, and highlight epigenetic mechanisms that have been reported as a putative link between each exposure and dementia risk. We then discuss the clinical implications and future directions of this line of research. An improved understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in dementia pathogenesis can promote the development of novel biomarkers for predicting outcomes but also targeted therapies to intervene early in the course of the disease.

The effect of MIND diet on sleep status, anxiety, depression, and cardiometabolic indices in obese diabetic women with insomnia: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial {1}

BACKGROUND

The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is a plant-based and anti-inflammatory diet that has the ability to protect and manage cardiovascular and nervous system diseases. Regarding that insomnia and cardiovascular problems are x`common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the present study will assess the effectiveness of the MIND dietary pattern on sleep quality, cardiometabolic indicators, and other psychological indicators.

METHODS

Forty-four overweight/obese T2DM women with insomnia, aged 30-65 years, will voluntarily participate in this randomized controlled trial and will be randomized to receive either a MIND low-calorie diet (MLCD) or a low-calorie diet (LCD) over a 3-month period. Before and after the study, sleep quality, some biochemical and cardiometabolic indices, cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and oxidative stress indicators will be assessed.

DISCUSSION

The use of dietary interventions in the management of T2DM complications is practical and safe. This research seeks to investigate the capacity of the MIND diet in the management of insomnia and cardiovascular problems of DM. It is expected that the results of this research will provide new perspectives on using an ideal dietary regimen to treat these health conditions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT20181111041611N8. Registered on August 7, 2023. https://www.irct.ir/trial/71772.

Accelerometer-derived 'weekend warrior' physical activity pattern and brain health

Extensive evidence shows the beneficial effect of adhering to a regular physical activity (PA) pattern on brain health. However, whether the 'weekend warrior' pattern, characterized by concentrated moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) over 1-2 days, is associated with brain health is unclear. Here, we perform a prospective cohort study including 75,629 participants from the UK Biobank with validated accelerometry data. Individuals were classified into three PA patterns using current guideline thresholds: inactive (<150 min week-1 of MVPA), weekend warrior (≥150 min week-1 with ≥50% of total MVPA occurring within 1-2 days) and regularly active (≥150 min week-1 but not meeting weekend warrior criteria). We find that the weekend warrior pattern is associated with similarly lower risks of dementia, stroke, Parkinson's disease, depressive disorders and anxiety compared to a regularly active pattern. Our findings highlight the weekend warrior pattern as a potential alternative in preventive intervention strategies, particularly for those unable to maintain daily activity routines.

Proceedings of the 2022 "Lifestyle Intervention for Epilepsy (LIFE)" symposium hosted by Cleveland Clinic

Lifestyle interventions are strategies used to self-manage medical conditions, such as epilepsy, and often complement traditional pharmacologic and surgical therapies. The need for integrating evidence-based lifestyle interventions into mainstream medicine for the treatment of epilepsy is evident given that despite the availability of a multitude of treatments with medications and surgical techniques, a significant proportion of patients have refractory seizures, and even those who are seizure-free report significant adverse effects with current treatments. Although the evidence base for complementary medicine is less robust than it is for traditional forms of medicine, the evidence to date suggests that several forms of complementary medicine including yoga, mindfulness meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, diet and nutrition, exercise and memory rehabilitation, and music therapy may have important roles as adjuncts in the treatment armamentarium for epilepsy. These topics were discussed by a diverse group of medical providers and scientists at the "Lifestyle Intervention for Epilepsy (LIFE)" symposium hosted by Cleveland Clinic. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: There are many people with epilepsy who continue to have seizures even though they are being treated with medication or brain surgery. Even after seizures stop, some may experience medication side effects. There is research to suggest that certain lifestyle changes, such as yoga, mindfulness, exercise, music therapy, and adjustments to diet, could help people with epilepsy, when used along with routine treatment. Experts discussed the latest research at the "Lifestyle Intervention for Epilepsy (LIFE)" symposium hosted by Cleveland Clinic.

Thinking outside the brain: Gut microbiome influence on innate immunity within neurodegenerative disease

The complex network of factors that contribute to neurodegeneration have hampered the discovery of effective preventative measures. While much work has focused on brain-first therapeutics, it is becoming evident that physiological changes outside of the brain are the best target for early interventions. Specifically, myeloid cells, including peripheral macrophages and microglia, are a sensitive population of cells whose activity can directly impact neuronal health. Myeloid cell activity includes cytokine production, migration, debris clearance, and phagocytosis. Environmental measures that can modulate these activities range from toxin exposure to diet. However, one of the most influential mediators of myeloid fitness is the gut microenvironment. Here, we review the current data about the role of myeloid cells in gastrointestinal disorders, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and multiple sclerosis. We then delve into the gut microbiota modulating therapies available and clinical evidence for their use in neurodegeneration. Modulating lifestyle and environmental mediators of inflammation are one of the most promising interventions for neurodegeneration and a systematic and concerted effort to examine these factors in healthy aging is the next frontier.

Association of a DASH diet and magnetoencephalography in dementia-free adults with different risk levels of Alzheimer's disease

This study explored how adherence to the DASH diet relates to electrophysiological measures in individuals at varying Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk due to family history (FH). There were 179 dementia-free subjects. DASH index was calculated, and participants were classified into different DASH adherence groups. Tertiles of relative alpha power in default mode network (DMN) regions were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association. Lower DASH adherence was associated with decreased odds of higher relative alpha power in the DMN, observed across the entire sample and specifically among those without a FH of AD. Logistic regression models indicated that participants with poorer DASH adherence had a reduced likelihood of elevated DMN alpha power, potentially influenced by vascular and amyloid-beta mechanisms. These findings underscore the dietary pattern's potential role in neural activity modulation, particularly in individuals not genetically predisposed to AD.