MIND Diet and Cognitive Function in Middle-aged and Older Adults

Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet and Cognitive Decline in Middle-aged and Elderly People is a 12-month cluster-randomized controlled trial designed to test the effect of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet education on the rate of cognitive change and several other secondary outcomes in 1200 adults aged 40-69 years. The proposed MIND diet for this study is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets but with selected modifications based on the most compelling evidence in the diet-dementia field and Chinese Dietary Guidelines 2022. Specifically, the proposed MIND diet education will emphasize the consumption of whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, dark red/yellow vegetables, other vegetables, berries and citrus, poultry, fish and seafood, beans and legumes, nuts, olive and seed oils, and green tea, and restrict red and processed meats, animal fat, fried foods, and sweets and pastries. The trial will employ a cluster randomization design comparing the effects on cognitive change of the MIND intervention diet education among 1200 adults aged 40-69 years. Secondary outcomes will include dietary behavior changes, health status changes, etc. The proposed study is sited at Taian, Shandong, China.