Impact of Adherence to Mind Diet on Cognitive Function, Frailty, and Physical Activity Levels Elderly Individuals

Objective: The study aimed to examine the effect of adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet on the cognitive function, frailty, and physical activity levels in elderly individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers between November 2020 and October 2021. The Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE), the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of weight (FRAIL) scale, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) were used to examine the cognitive function, frailty, and physical activity levels of participants, respectively. Adherence to the MIND diet score was calculated based on a food consumption record, and a semi-quantitative food consumption frequency questionnaire. Results: The study sample included 150 elderly, with a mean age of 71.31 +/- 5.15 years. The mean MIND diet, SMMSE, FRAIL, and PASE scores were 9.5(7.5-11.0), 22.54 +/- 3.98, 2.00 +/- 1.64, and 191.3 +/- 62.65, respectively. A weak positive correlation (p<.05) was found between the MIND diet score and SMMSE and FRAIL scales; however, no correlation was found with the PASE total score. A one-point increase in the MIND diet score resulted in a 0.002 increase in the mean SMMSE scale score and a 0.450 increase in the mean FRAIL scale score (p<.05). Conclusions: Adherence to the MIND diet was positively correlated with cognitive functions and frailty in elderly individuals. Long-term studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to further investigate the effects of the MIND diet on cognitive functions and frailty.