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Adherence to Healthy Dietary Patterns and Cognitive Performance: Evidence from DASH and Mediterranean Diets
1Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of Health Sciences, Uskudar University, Istanbul 34662, Turkey.
Nutrients
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Adhering to the DASH and Mediterranean diets positively impacts cognitive function in adults. Healthy eating is crucial for maintaining brain health throughout life.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern.
- Dietary patterns, such as the DASH and Mediterranean diets, are increasingly recognized for their potential role in cognitive health.
- Understanding the specific effects of these diets on cognitive performance is essential for developing effective health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of adherence to the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets on cognitive performance in adults.
- To identify associations between dietary adherence scores and various cognitive function tests.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with adult participants in Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye.
- Dietary adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and DASH Diet Quality Scale (DASH-Q).
- Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Oktem Verbal Memory Processes Test (Oktem-VMPT) and Trail Making Test (TMT). Sociodemographic data and dietary habits were also collected.
Main Results:
- Higher adherence to DASH and Mediterranean diets (MEDAS scores) was associated with better performance in specific cognitive domains, including immediate memory, spontaneous recall, and overall learning.
- Conversely, increased age and BMI were linked to lower DASH scores, while higher education levels correlated with decreased performance on certain cognitive tests (IST-A, IST-B, IST-Total).
- DASH diet adherence positively influenced immediate memory and spontaneous recall while reducing learning errors and executive function test scores.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to DASH and Mediterranean diets demonstrates a positive association with cognitive performance in adults.
- Age, educational status, and adherence to DASH and MEDAS diets are significant factors influencing cognitive function.
- Promoting healthy eating patterns, like the DASH and Mediterranean diets, is a vital public health strategy for preserving cognitive health.
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