Association of Adherence to a Healthy Diet with Cognitive Decline in European and American Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis within the CHANCES Consortium

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2017;43(3-4):215-227. doi: 10.1159/000464269. Epub 2017 Mar 22.

Abstract

Aim: To examine the association between a healthy diet, assessed by the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI), and cognitive decline in older adults.

Methods: Data from 21,837 participants aged ≥55 years from 3 cohorts (Survey in Europe on Nutrition and the Elderly, a Concerted Action [SENECA], Rotterdam Study [RS], Nurses' Health Study [NHS]) were analyzed. HDI scores were based on intakes of saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, mono- and disaccharides, protein, cholesterol, fruits and vegetables, and fiber. The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status in NHS and Mini-Mental State Examination in RS and SENECA were used to assess cognitive function from multiple repeated measures. Using multivariable-adjusted, mixed linear regression, mean differences in annual rates of cognitive decline by HDI quintiles were estimated.

Results: Multivariable-adjusted differences in rates in the highest versus the lowest HDI quintile were 0.01 (95% CI -0.01, 0.02) in NHS, 0.00 (95% CI -0.02, 0.01) in RS, and 0.00 (95% CI -0.05, 0.05) in SENECA with a pooled estimate of 0.00 (95% CI -0.01, 0.01), I2 = 0%.

Conclusions: A higher HDI score was not related to reduced rates of cognitive decline in European and American older adults.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cognition / physiology*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / prevention & control*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Diet, Healthy* / methods
  • Diet, Healthy* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged