Dietary patterns and cognitive function in older adults residing in rural China

Research has produced inconsistent findings on the association between dietary patterns and cognitive function. In the present study, we examined the association between dietary patterns and cognitive function among rural China's older adults and aimed to identify major dietary patterns.

This cross-sectional study included 1176 individuals aged 65-85 years. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Factor analysis and the Chinese Dietary Balance Index were respectively employed to determine dietary patterns and assess dietary quality. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination, and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and cognitive decline.

Three main dietary patterns were identified and named on the basis of foods with high content: a "healthy dietary pattern," a "multigrain dietary pattern," and a "snack dietary pattern." With the increase in the score of the healthy dietary pattern, the Mini-Mental State Examination total score exhibited a significant downward trend (p<0.001). Moreover, we observed a prominent negative association between the healthy dietary pattern and mild cognitive impairment (4th to 1st quartile, OR=0.36; 95%CI, 0.24-0.54; p<0.001). After we adjusted for potential covariates, the negative correlation remained (4th to 1st quartile, OR=0.48; 95%CI, 0.28-0.81; p=0.006). However, no relation was observed between mild cognitive impairment and either the multigrain or snack dietary patterns.

The healthy dietary pattern, which is based on the consumption of rice and flour, red meat, chicken, vegetables, seafood, and fruits, protects against cognitive dysfunction.