Mediterranean-DASH intervention for neurodegenerative delay (MIND) diet intervention in persons with multiple...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease resulting in cognitive dysfunction. Diet, particularly the Mediterranean DASH intervention for neurogenerative delay (MIND) pattern, emphasizing neuroprotective foods, may improve MS outcomes. However, limited MIND interventions have been conducted in persons with MS. To investigate the process and scientific feasibility of a remotely administered MIND intervention in MS. Forty persons with MS enrolled in this 12-week remote single-blind RCT. Participants were randomized into MIND (n = 20) or control (n = 20). Both received 1 meal per day, via a delivery service, and dietary guidelines. The MIND condition received foods aligned with MIND guidelines. The control condition received isocaloric meals without MIND foods and guidelines aligned with DGA. Feasibility was assessed via process (e.g., recruitment, retention, compliance) and scientific (i.e., diet via the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ-III) and cognition via the CANTAB online battery) metrics. Thirty-one participants completed the study (77.5% overall retention, 87.5% intervention retention). Provided meal compliance averaged 91.1% (MIND: 89.7%, control: 92.6%). Both conditions improved diet quality (P < .05); only the MIND condition improved MIND score (Δx̄ = 3.97, P < .01). No significant group-by-time effects were observed for cognition. However, in the MIND condition, MIND improvements correlated with improved attention and spatial memory (P < .05). This intervention was feasible, well-accepted, and effective in improving diet. Greater improvements in MIND adherence were linked to better attention and spatial memory. The resultant feasibility information supports future fully powered trials testing dietary effects on cognition and other outcomes for MS. Clinical trial registry: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT06450977.