Mediterranean Dietary Patterns and Impaired Physical Function in Older Adults
Ellen A Struijk1,2,3, Pilar Guallar-Castillón1,2,3, Fernando Rodríguez-Artalejo1,2,3
1Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
Summary
Adhering to a Mediterranean diet pattern, particularly when assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), is linked to a reduced risk of physical function decline in older adults. This dietary approach supports mobility and agility.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited information exists on nutritional risk factors for functional limitation in aging populations.
- The study addresses the scarcity of data regarding diet and physical function in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of developing physical function impairment in individuals aged 60 years and older.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 1,630 participants (Seniors-ENRICA cohort, age ≥60).
- Assessed Mediterranean diet adherence using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) (2008-2010).
- Followed participants through 2012 to identify incident impairment in agility, mobility, and overall physical functioning (≥5-point decrease in SF-12 PCS).
Main Results:
- Over 3.5 years median follow-up, 343 participants developed agility limitation, 212 mobility limitation, and 457 decreased overall physical functioning.
- No significant association was found between MDS and agility/mobility impairment.
- Higher MEDAS scores correlated with significantly lower odds of agility limitation (OR 0.67), mobility limitation (OR 0.69), and decreased overall physical functioning (OR 0.60).
Conclusions:
- A Mediterranean-style dietary pattern, especially when measured by MEDAS, is associated with a reduced likelihood of physical function impairment in older adults.
- Findings suggest the Mediterranean diet may play a protective role in maintaining physical function in aging populations.
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