Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Mediterranean and MIND Dietary Patterns and Cognitive Performance in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Maggie Yu1, Steve Simpson-Yap1,2,3, Annalaura Lerede4,5
1Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population & Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3010, Australia.
Background:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic auto-immune neuroinflammatory disorder presenting as a range of systemic and neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairment. Emerging evidence suggests that diets targeting brain health-such as the Mediterranean (MED) and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diets-may improve cognitive function; however, studies examining their role in people living with MS are limited.
Methods:
We examined cross-sectional associations between diet and cognition data from 967 participants in the United Kingdom Multiple Sclerosis Register (UKMSR). Dietary pattern scores (alternate Mediterranean; aMED, and MIND) were derived from the 130-item EPIC-Norfolk food frequency questionnaire. Cognition was assessed using the MS-specific Cognitron-MS (C-MS) battery (13 tasks) and summarised as overall cognition (global G factor) and four domains (object memory, problem solving, information processing speed [IPS], and words memory). Cognitive outcomes were expressed as Deviation-from-Expected (DfE) scores standardised to demographic and device characteristics using external regression-based norms. Linear models were adjusted for total energy intake, MS phenotype, disease duration since diagnosis, and current disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use. Interactions tested moderation by MS phenotype (relapsing vs. progressive MS) and current DMT use (yes vs. no). Sensitivity analyses included within-domain multiple-comparison control, rank-based inverse-normal transformation, and winsorisation.
Results:
Greater alignment with aMED and MIND dietary patterns were associated with higher scores in specific cognitive domains but not in overall cognition. Higher aMED scores were associated most consistently with better IPS, while higher MIND scores were additionally associated with better words memory. In categorical models, participants with the middle or highest tertiles of aMED or MIND scores performed up to ~0.4 SD better on tasks of Verbal Analogies, Word Definitions, Simple Reaction Time, Words Memory Immediate, or Words Memory Delays compared with those in the lowest tertile. These findings were robust across sensitivity analyses. Stratified analyses showed differential cognitive performance and diet-cognition associations by MS phenotype and DMT use.
Conclusions:
Mediterranean and MIND dietary patterns showed modest cross-sectional associations with specific cognition domains, with differential cognitive performance in different subgroups according to MS phenotype and DMT use. Although causal inference is not possible, our findings indicate future MS-related dietary studies (longitudinal and/or randomised controlled trials) examining cognitive function domains across different MS subgroups are warranted.
Insights
Adhering to Mediterranean (MED) and MIND diets may improve specific cognitive functions in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These dietary patterns showed associations with better information processing speed and memory, particularly in certain MS subgroups.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing neurological and cognitive impairments.
- The Mediterranean (MED) and MIND diets show promise for brain health, but their impact on MS-related cognition is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adherence to MED and MIND dietary patterns and cognitive function in individuals with MS.
- To explore potential differences in diet-cognition relationships based on MS phenotype and disease-modifying therapy (DMT) use.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 967 UK Multiple Sclerosis Register (UKMSR) participants.
- Dietary patterns (alternate Mediterranean; aMED, and MIND) assessed via food frequency questionnaire.
- Cognition evaluated using the Cognitron-MS (C-MS) battery, generating overall cognition and domain-specific scores (memory, problem-solving, processing speed).
Main Results:
- Higher adherence to aMED and MIND diets was linked to better performance in specific cognitive domains, not overall cognition.
- aMED scores correlated with improved information processing speed (IPS), while MIND scores associated with better word memory.
- Participants in higher tertiles of aMED or MIND diets showed significantly better performance on tasks assessing verbal analogies, word definitions, reaction time, and memory recall compared to the lowest tertile.
Conclusions:
- MED and MIND diets demonstrate modest associations with specific cognitive domains in MS patients.
- Cognitive performance and diet associations varied by MS phenotype and DMT use, suggesting subgroup-specific effects.
- Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to confirm causality and explore these dietary patterns in diverse MS populations.
