scholarly journals Potential benefits of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on cognitive health

2012 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Féart ◽  
Cecilia Samieri ◽  
Benjamin Allès ◽  
Pascale Barberger-Gateau
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Dietary Strategy ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Residual Confounding

The purpose of this review was to update available knowledge on the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and cognitive decline, risk of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and to analyse the reasons for some inconsistent results across studies. The traditional MeDi has been recognised by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This dietary pattern is characterised by a high consumption of plant foods (i.e. vegetables, fruits, legumes and cereals), a high intake of olive oil as the main source of fat, a moderate intake of fish, low-to-moderate intake of dairy products and low consumption of meat and poultry, with wine consumed in low-to-moderate amounts during meals. Beyond the well-known association between higher adherence to the MeDi and lower risk of mortality, in particular from CVD and cancer, new data from large epidemiological studies suggest a relationship between MeDi adherence and cognitive decline or risk of dementia. However, some inconsistent results have been found as well, even in Mediterranean countries. In this review, we analyse the reasons likely to explain these discrepancies, and propose that most of these differences are due to variations in the methodology used to assess MeDi adherence. We also discuss the possibility of residual confounding by lifestyle, that is, greater adherents to the MeDi also have a healthier lifestyle in general, which can favourably affect cognition. In conclusion, large-scale studies in various populations with common methodology are required before considering the MeDi as an optimal dietary strategy to prevent cognitive decline or dementia.

scholarly journals Family Meals, Conviviality and the Mediterranean Diet among Families with Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2499
Author(s):  
Andrea de la Torre-Moral ◽  
Sergi Fàbregues ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Albert Fornieles-Deu ◽  
F. Xavier Medina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Family Meals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
Food Pattern ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Meal Composition

Two aspects that characterize the Mediterranean diet (MD) are “what” and “how” we eat. Conviviality relates to “how” we eat and to the pleasure of sharing meals with significant people. The most studied concept is “family meals”, which includes conviviality, which involves “enjoying” family meals. Given the lack of research on convivial family meals in Mediterranean countries, the purpose of this qualitative study was to analyze the family meal representations and practices of families with 12- to 16-year-old adolescents to assess whether they responded to a pattern of conviviality, and to examine their association with MD adherence. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted and food frequency and family meal questionnaires were administered. A food pattern analysis was carried out and digital photos of meals were analyzed to examine eating habits and meal composition, respectively. The findings showed that parents believed family meals are a space for socialization and communication. Items relating to the conviviality of family meals identified in the study were meal frequency, meals at the table, lack of digital distractions, pleasant conversations, and time spent on family meals. Attention should be paid to conviviality in Mediterranean families when designing multi-approach strategies to promote healthy eating among adolescents.

The role of Mediterranean diet in the course of subjective cognitive decline in the elderly population of Greece: results from a prospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
George S. Vlachos ◽  
Mary Yannakoulia ◽  
Costas A. Anastasiou ◽  
Mary H. Kosmidis ◽  
Efthimios Dardiotis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Decline ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Medical Disorders ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract Very few data are available regarding the association of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) evolution over time. A cohort of 939 cognitively normal individuals reporting self-experienced, persistent cognitive decline not attributed to neurological, psychiatric or medical disorders from the Hellenic Epidemiological Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet (HELIAD study) was followed-up for a mean period of 3.10 years. We defined our SCD score as the number of reported SCD domains (memory, language, visuoperceptual and executive), ranging from 0 to 4. Dietary intake at baseline was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire; adherence to the MeDi pattern was evaluated through the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) that ranged from 0 to 55, with higher values indicating greater adherence to the MeDi. The mean SCD score in our cohort increased by 0.20 cognitive domains during follow-up. After adjustment for multiple potential confounders, we showed that an MDS higher by 10 points was associated with a 7% reduction in the progression of SCD within one year. In terms of food groups, every additional vegetable serving consumption per day was associated with a 2.3% reduction in SCD progression per year. Our results provide support to the notion that MeDi may have a protective role against the whole continuum of cognitive decline, starting at the first subjective complaints. This finding may strengthen the role of the MeDi as a population-wide, cost-effective preventive strategy targeting the modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Changes in food supply in Mediterranean countries from 1961 to 2001

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reina Garcia-Closas ◽  
Antoni Berenguer ◽  
Carlos A González
Keyword(s):  
Olive Oil ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Traditional Mediterranean Diet ◽  
The 1960S

AbstractObjectiveTo describe geographical differences and time trends in the supply of the most important food components of the traditional Mediterranean diet.DesignFood supply data collected from national food balance sheets for the period 1961–2001.SettingSelected Mediterranean countries: Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey.ResultsDifferences of almost 30-fold and five-fold were found in the supply of olive oil and fruits and vegetables, respectively, among the Mediterranean countries studied during the 1960s. A favourable increasing trend for the supply of fruit and vegetables was observed in most Mediterranean countries. However, an increase in the supply of meats and dairy products and a decrease in the supply of cereals and wine were observed in European Mediterranean countries from 1961 until 2001. Only in African and Asiatic Mediterranean countries were cereals the base of food supply. During the 1990s, Greece's food supply pattern was closest to the traditional Mediterranean diet, while Italy and Spain maintained a high availability of fruits, vegetables and olive oil, but were losing the other typical components. Among African and Asiatic Mediterranean countries, only Turkey presented a traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern except with respect to olive oil, the supply of which was very low. France showed a Western dietary pattern, with a high supply of animal products and a low supply of olive oil.ConclusionsDietary supplies in the Mediterranean area were quite heterogeneous in the 1960s and have experienced a process of Westernization, especially in European Mediterranean countries.

scholarly journals Feasibility of the AusMed Diet Program: Translating the Mediterranean Diet for Older Australians

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karly Zacharia ◽  
Amanda J. Patterson ◽  
Coralie English ◽  
Lesley MacDonald-Wicks
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Diet Pattern ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Diet Score

The Mediterranean diet pattern (MEDI) is associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions related to ageing. Adherence research mostly comes from Mediterranean countries with high cultural acceptability. This study examines the feasibility of a MEDI intervention designed specifically for older Australians (AusMed). Phase 1 involved a consumer research group (n = 17) presentation of program materials with surveys after each section. In-depth individual semi-structured interviews (n = 6) were then conducted. All participants reported increased knowledge and confidence in adherence to the MEDI, with the majority preferring a booklet format (70%) and group delivery (58%). Three themes emerged from interviews—1. barriers (complexity, perceived cost and food preferences), 2. additional support and 3. individualisation of materials. Program materials were modified accordingly. Phase 2 was a 2-week trial of the modified program (n = 15). Participants received a group counselling session, program manual and food hamper. Adherence to the MEDI was measured by the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). All participants increased their adherence after the 2-week trial, from a mean score of 5.4 ± 2.4 (low adherence) to a mean score of 9.6 ± 2.0 (moderate to high adherence). All found that text message support helped achieve their goals and were confident to continue the dietary change.

scholarly journals Determinants of Adherence to Healthy Eating Patterns in a Population of Children and Adolescents: Evidence on the Mediterranean Diet in the City of Mataró (Catalonia, Spain)

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arcila-Agudelo ◽  
Ferrer-Svoboda ◽  
Torres-Fernàndez ◽  
Farran-Codina
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
School Level ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Suboptimal Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Optimal Adherence

Despite its benefits, the Mediterranean diet (MD) is being abandoned or not adopted by young generations in most Mediterranean countries. In Spain, up to 69% of the child and adolescent population has been found to have suboptimal adherence to the MD. The aim of this study was to analyze which factors are associated with an optimal adherence to the MD in school-age children and adolescents from Mataró, Spain. A cross-sectional study was performed on 1177 children and adolescents aged between 6 and 18 years from Mataró. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED index) was used to evaluate adherence to a MD. We found that over 59% of subjects showed suboptimal adherence to a MD, with this prevalence being higher for secondary school than for primary school children. The factors positively associated with following an optimal MD were the mother’s education level, children at the primary school level, the absence of distractions at breakfast, and regular physical activity. The availability of spending money was negatively associated with the likelihood of optimal adherence to a MD. Future research should study more in-depth the possible causality between the factors studied and adherence to a MD.

Diet and cancer in Mediterranean countries: carbohydrates and fats

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (9A) ◽  
pp. 1595-1600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Bosetti ◽  
Claudio Pelucchi ◽  
Carlo La Vecchia
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Olive Oil ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Glycaemic Index ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractObjectiveSeveral aspects of the diet characteristic of the Mediterranean countries are considered favourable not only on cardiovascular disease, but also on cancer risk. We considered some aspects of the Mediterranean diet (including, in particular, the consumption of olive oil and carbohydrates) on cancer risk.Design, Setting and SubjectsData were derived from a series of case-control studies, conducted in Italy since the early 1990s, on over 10 000 cases of thirteen cancer sites and over 17 000 controls.ResultsOlive oil, and other mono- and unsaturated fats, appear to be favourable indicators of breast, ovarian, colorectal, but mostly of upper aero-digestive tract cancers. Whole grain foods are also related to reduced risk of upper aero-digestive tract and various other cancers. In contrast, refined grain intake and, consequently, glycaemic index and glycaemic load were associated to increased risk for several cancer sites. Fish, and hence a diet rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, tended to be another favourable diet indicator, while frequent red meat intake was directly related to some common neoplasms. An a priori defined Mediterranean diet score was inversely related to upper digestive and respiratory tract cancers.ConclusionsThese data provide additional evidence that major characteristics of the Mediterranean diet favourably affect cancer risk.

scholarly journals Association Between the Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Decline in a Biracial Population

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 354-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Koyama ◽  
Denise K. Houston ◽  
Eleanor M. Simonsick ◽  
Jung Sun Lee ◽  
Hilsa N. Ayonayon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean

scholarly journals Memorable Food: Fighting Age-Related Neurodegeneration by Precision Nutrition

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Milošević ◽  
Aleksandra Arsić ◽  
Zorica Cvetković ◽  
Vesna Vučić
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Mediterranean

Healthcare systems worldwide are seriously challenged by a rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), which mostly, but not exclusively, affect the ever-growing population of the elderly. The most known neurodegenerative diseases are Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but some viral infections of the brain and traumatic brain injury may also cause NDD. Typical for NDD are the malfunctioning of neurons and their irreversible loss, which often progress irreversibly to dementia and ultimately to death. Numerous factors are involved in the pathogenesis of NDD: genetic variability, epigenetic changes, extent of oxidative/nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage. The complex interplay of all the above-mentioned factors may be a fingerprint of neurodegeneration, with different diseases being affected to different extents by particular factors. There is a voluminous body of evidence showing the benefits of regular exercise to brain health and cognitive functions. Moreover, the importance of a healthy diet, balanced in macro- and micro-nutrients, in preventing neurodegeneration and slowing down a progression to full-blown disease is evident. Individuals affected by NDD almost inevitably have low-grade inflammation and anomalies in lipid metabolism. Metabolic and lipid profiles in NDD can be improved by the Mediterranean diet. Many studies have associated the Mediterranean diet with a decreased risk of dementia and AD, but a cause-and-effect relationship has not been deduced. Studies with caloric restriction showed neuroprotective effects in animal models, but the results in humans are inconsistent. The pathologies of NDD are complex and there is a great inter-individual (epi)genetic variance within any population. Furthermore, the gut microbiome, being deeply involved in nutrient uptake and lipid metabolism, also represents a pillar of the gut microbiome–brain axis and is linked with the pathogenesis of NDD. Numerous studies on the role of different micronutrients (omega-3 fatty acids, bioactive polyphenols from fruit and medicinal plants) in the prevention, prediction, and treatment of NDD have been conducted, but we are still far away from a personalized diet plan for individual NDD patients. For this to be realized, large-scale cohorts that would include the precise monitoring of food intake, mapping of genetic variants, epigenetic data, microbiome studies, and metabolome, lipidome, and transcriptome data are needed.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Habits among University Students in Lebanon

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. El Hajj ◽  
Sofi G. Julien
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Choices ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Westernized Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean

Although the Mediterranean Diet has been acknowledged as the best overall diet for the year 2020, it has seen a decrease in its adherence over the past years. This is due to several reasons, one of which is the gradual shift to a more westernized diet with all the influences that occur especially on university students whose dietary choices set a path for future dietary habits. The aim of this study is to check the level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and frequency of breakfast consumption among university students in Lebanon and check whether they are influenced by sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary knowledge, or academic data. A cross-sectional questionnaire was electronically sent to randomly selected students (210 females and 93 males) from different universities across Lebanon, aged between 18 and 25 years old. The questionnaire was filled online, and all data were self-reported. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) was used as a tool to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. The results showed that 18.8% of respondents had high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Students who reported always consuming breakfast and not skipping meals had significantly higher adherence to the MD. Furthermore, students with lower BMI and higher KIDMED scores had significantly more correct answers on the nutritional knowledge questions. In addition, there was a significant difference in the average KIDMED scores between different GPA categories, most notably when comparing high and poor MD adherence; students with excellent GPA scores had higher adherence to the MD than those with poor GPA scores. In conclusion, nutrition awareness in a university setting is very important since it may positively affect academic outcomes and may be the last chance to teach and engrave healthy eating patterns to a large scale of students.

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