Cognitive impairment in older adults : MIND diet versus Mediterranean diet

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment primarily affects the ageing population. It has been designated as a public health priority due to its financial, social, and health implications. Nutrition has been identified to reduce the incidence of such impairment. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of MIND versus Mediterranean diets on the incidence of cognitive impairment in older adults. Research Question: Does the MIND diet decrease the incidence of cognitive impairment in older adults when compared to the Mediterranean diet? PICO Elements: Population (P) older adults. Intervention (I) the MIND diet. Comparison (C) the Mediterranean diet, the Outcome (O) decrease the incidence of cognitive impairment. Method: A systematic search was conducted using different electronic databases utilising the PICO elements from the review question through the use of keyword, synonyms and limiters. The PRISMA checklist, to screen the five articles chosen was used. Moreover, studies had to be peer-reviewed, in English language and published within the last ten years. The chosen studies were critically appraised using the CASP tool, in which their methods and findings were evaluated. Results: Based on the studies chosen, it was established that both the Mediterranean and MIND diets provide a variety of benefits in terms of cognitive performance. However, the MIND diet was the most protective, although given the limitations of study evidence, such conclusions are inconsistent due to varied methodological problems. Implication and Recommendation: More research is needed to improve the validity of the study's findings, particularly the proposal for undertaking local studies, as no research has been conducted. Education for all healthcare professionals and the general public was suggested, as it enhance one's diet and lowers such incidence rate. The implementation for policies is required to improve the quality of care and maintaining brain function for the Maltese older population.