Impact of legumes and plant proteins consumption on cognitive performances in the elderly

Numerous studies have investigated the role of the dietary factors in the prevention of cognitive decline but the short-term effects of foods choice on cognitive performances in the elderly are poorly explored. Our aim was to investigate the choice of foods among elderly Italian individuals and the association with cognitive function.

In this longitudinal study, the participants were 214 individuals aged ≥65 years with a score >20 at the Mini Mental State Examination. The cognitive sub-test of ADAScale was used to detect cognitive decline progression over 12 months. Food choices was measured by a combination of a 24-h recall and a seven-day diet record and Principal Components Analysis.

The Principal Components Analysis identified four food and four nutrient patterns. MMSE and ADAS-cog score after 1 year were found to be associated with legumes pattern (B = 0.25, p = 0.007; 95% CI 0.07/0.44; and B = -0.10, p = 0.006; CI -0.79/-0.30, respectively). A dietary pattern including plant proteins was independently associated with an improved ADAS-cog after 1 year (B = 0.584, p = 0.04; OR 1.79, CI 0.04-0.42).

The Principal Components Analysis is useful to investigate the choice of foods and nutrients in the elderly. We demonstrated an association between legumes pattern with cognitive performances.