MIND Pattern Nutritional Intervention Modulates Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Gut Microbiota in Alzheimer's...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Limited evidence exists for non-restrictive MIND pattern interventions in Alzheimer's disease (ALZ).
• Investigating the impact of structured dietary counseling on ALZ patients' adherence and gut microbiota is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and impact of a structured MIND intervention on dietary adherence and gut microbiota in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
• To compare changes in gut microbiota composition and diversity between ALZ patients and cognitively healthy controls following the intervention.

Main Methods:

• An observational case-control study involving 60 participants (30 ALZ, 30 controls) with baseline (T0) and follow-up (T1) assessments.
• Dietary adherence was measured using the MEDAS questionnaire, alongside stool sample analysis (16S rRNA profiling) and cognitive/functional assessments.

Main Results:

• The ALZ group showed improved MEDAS scores with increased vegetable intake and decreased butter consumption, indicating better adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
• Significant increases in gut microbiota alpha diversity and shifts in composition were observed in the ALZ group, with an increase in SCFA-linked taxa and a decrease in dysbiosis-related taxa.
• Comparative analysis revealed larger positive shifts in specific bacterial genera within the ALZ group post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• A structured, non-restrictive MIND intervention is feasible for Alzheimer's disease patients.
• The intervention improved dietary adherence and was associated with enhanced gut microbiota diversity and compositional changes in ALZ.
• Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to explore the mechanistic effects of this dietary intervention in ALZ.