Building research in diet and cognition: The BRIDGE randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Obesity is a growing concern in older adults, linked to cognitive impairment and dementia.
• Diet plays a crucial role in obesity and may influence cognitive function.
• There is a critical need for lifestyle interventions to mitigate cognitive decline in at-risk obese individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impact of the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), with and without weight loss, on cognitive functioning in obese older adults.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a MedDiet lifestyle intervention for weight loss and maintenance in this demographic.
• To identify strategies for decoupling obesity from cognitive decline.

Main Methods:

• The Building Research in Diet and CoGnition (BRIDGE) study is a randomized trial involving 180 obese older adults (BMI 30-50 kg/m², age ≥55).
• Participants are randomized to a typical diet control, MedDiet alone, or MedDiet with a weight loss intervention.
• Intervention groups receive structured group and individual sessions over 8 months, with outcomes assessed at baseline, 8, and 14 months.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome is cognitive functioning.
• Secondary outcomes include changes in body weight, diet quality, and relevant biomarkers (cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory).
• Analysis will compare cognitive changes across the three intervention arms.

Conclusions:

• The BRIDGE study will provide crucial data on the efficacy of the MedDiet and weight loss in preserving cognitive function in obese older adults.
• Findings may inform public health strategies and clinical recommendations for preventing dementia.
• This research addresses the urgent need for effective lifestyle interventions targeting obesity-related cognitive decline.