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Dried Blood Spot Collection of Health Biomarkers to Maximize Participation in Population Studies
Published on: January 28, 2014
Biomarkers
Klodian Dhana1, Konstantinos Arfanakis1,2,3, Neelum T Aggarwal1,4
1Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet may help slow Alzheimer's disease pathology. A 3-year study found the MIND diet maintained plasma amyloid-beta 42/40 levels, unlike the control group which showed a decline.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Plasma amyloid-beta (Abeta) levels, particularly the Abeta42/40 ratio, are indicators of brain amyloid pathology and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) risk.
- A lower plasma Abeta42/40 ratio is associated with an increased risk of ADRD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet on longitudinal changes in plasma Abeta42/40 levels.
- To determine if the MIND diet can influence biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year randomized controlled trial involving 604 participants aged 65-85 with a family history of dementia.
- Participants were assigned to either the MIND diet, emphasizing brain-healthy foods, or a control diet, with both promoting weight loss.
- Longitudinal changes in plasma Abeta42/40 levels were analyzed using multivariable-adjusted linear mixed-effect models.
Main Results:
- Plasma Abeta42/40 levels remained statistically unchanged in the MIND diet group over 3 years.
- In contrast, the control group experienced an average decline of 2.8% in plasma Abeta42/40 levels (p=0.024).
- Baseline plasma Abeta42/40 levels were similar between the MIND diet and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Dietary intervention significantly influences longitudinal changes in plasma Abeta42/40 levels.
- The MIND diet may mitigate declines in plasma Abeta42/40, suggesting a potential to reduce Alzheimer's disease brain pathology.
- The findings indicate the MIND diet could potentially lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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