Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Associations between Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Quality of Life, and Mental Health in Patients with Multiple
Antonios Dakanalis1,2, Christina Tryfonos3, Eleni Pavlidou3
1Department of Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Via G.B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy.
Background:
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is well-known as a diet which may exert a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, only a few clinical surveys have assessed the potential effects of the MD in patients with MS. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the potential effects of MD compliance on disease disability, quality of life, physical activity, depressive symptomatology, and blood biochemical parameters related to nutritional status in MS patients, considering several socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle characteristics.
Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 558 adults with MS aged 18-64 years. Relevant questionnaires were utilized to evaluate socio-demographic and anthropometric parameters, disease disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS), multidimensional health-related quality (MS Quality of Life-54, MSQOL-54), physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ), depression (Beck Depression Inventory II, BDI-II), and MD adherence (MedDietScore), while several blood biochemical parameters were retrieved from the patients' medical records.
Results:
Enhanced MD compliance was independently associated with a decreased frequency of overweight/obesity, as well as abdominal obesity, in patients suffering from MS. Elevated MD compliance was also independently associated with a decreased incidence of advanced disease disability, a higher prevalence of elevated physical activity, an improved quality of life, and lower depressive symptoms, as well as higher levels of certain blood biochemical parameters, which are effective indicators of iron deficiency and malnutrition.
Conclusions:
The present study found that higher MD adherence may slow down disease disability, promoting a better quality of life and mental health in adults with MS. Future prospective surveys are required to obtain conclusive results.
Insights
Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is linked to reduced disability and improved quality of life. This dietary pattern also supports better mental health and physical activity levels in individuals with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recognized for its potential neuroprotective effects against neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Limited clinical research has explored the impact of MD adherence on MS patient outcomes.
- Understanding MD's role is crucial for managing MS progression and improving patient well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between MD adherence and disease disability in MS patients.
- To assess the influence of MD on quality of life, physical activity, and depressive symptoms in MS.
- To examine the relationship between MD compliance and nutritional status indicators in MS.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 558 adults (aged 18-64) diagnosed with MS.
- Utilized questionnaires for socio-demographics, anthropometrics, quality of life (MSQOL-54), physical activity (IPAQ), depression (BDI-II), and MD adherence (MedDietScore).
- Retrieved blood biochemical parameters from medical records to assess nutritional status.
Main Results:
- Higher MD adherence correlated with lower rates of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity in MS patients.
- Increased MD compliance was independently associated with reduced disease disability (EDSS).
- Elevated MD adherence linked to higher physical activity, improved quality of life (MSQOL-54), lower depression (BDI-II), and better nutritional markers.
Conclusions:
- Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet may mitigate disease progression and disability in adults with MS.
- The MD appears to enhance quality of life and mental health among individuals with MS.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and establish causality.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:20Taste Buds and Receptors