Genetic Variation in Response to the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND): A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Nutritional Science
• Genetics

Background:

• The MIND diet intervention aimed to reduce cognitive decline in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's dementia (AD).
• This study investigated how genetic variations influence the diet's impact on cognitive changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if genetic differences in AD predisposition and nutrient metabolism modify the MIND diet's effect on cognitive decline.
• To explore gene-diet interactions for cognitive outcomes in a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of 494 participants from the MIND study with genetic data.
• Derived genetic scores for AD predisposition and nutrient metabolism.
• Utilized linear regression and mixed models to analyze gene-diet interactions on cognition, including exploratory genome-wide analysis.

Main Results:

• A significant interaction was found between the COMT Val158Met variant and diet assignment (p=0.002) for perceptual speed changes over 3 years.
• Individuals with the Met/Met genotype (lower COMT activity) showed improved perceptual speed on the MIND diet compared to the control diet.
• No significant difference in diet effect was observed for Val carriers.

Conclusions:

• Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays a role in metabolizing compounds found in the MIND diet.
• Individuals with impaired COMT activity (Met/Met genotype) may particularly benefit from the MIND diet for cognitive enhancement.
• Genetic factors, specifically COMT variants, can influence individual responses to dietary interventions for neuroprotection.