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Increases in adherence to a simplified Mediterranean diet predicts improved next day cognitive functioning
Kelly R B Parker1, Jeremy M Hamm1
1Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, 1210 Albrecht Blvd. Fargo, ND 58102, United States.
Summary
Daily adherence to a simplified Mediterranean diet (sMD) can improve cognitive function. Even small, short-term increases in sMD positively impact processing speed and executive function in middle-aged and older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Long-term Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence is linked to cognitive aging.
- Little is known about how daily fluctuations in MD adherence affect cognition.
- This study investigates short-term impacts of a simplified Mediterranean diet (sMD) on cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if day-to-day changes in sMD adherence predict cognitive changes.
- To examine cognitive functioning in middle-aged and older adults.
- To understand the micro-longitudinal effects of dietary habits on cognition.
Main Methods:
- 217 middle-aged and older adults (54±15 years, 65% female) participated.
- Daily surveys and cognitive tasks were completed over one week.
- Lagged multilevel models analyzed the impact of daily sMD on next-day cognition (episodic memory, executive function, processing speed).
Main Results:
- Higher daily sMD adherence predicted faster processing speeds.
- Improved executive functioning was observed following days of higher sMD adherence.
- These effects were significant even after controlling for age, sex, race, and education.
Conclusions:
- Daily variations in sMD adherence influence short-term cognitive changes.
- Small, consistent improvements in sMD can contribute to healthy cognitive aging.
- Increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, fish, and reducing sugar-sweetened beverages may enhance cognitive function.
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