scholarly journals Alternate Healthy Eating Index is Positively Associated with Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanics/Latinos in the HCHS/SOL

2020 ◽  
Vol 150 (6) ◽  
pp. 1478-1487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayra L Estrella ◽  
Ramon A Durazo-Arvizu ◽  
Josiemer Mattei ◽  
Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani ◽  
Krista M Perreira ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Diet quality may be an important area of focus for promoting cognitive health; however, the association between diet quality and cognitive function among Hispanics/Latinos remains largely unexamined. We hypothesized that a healthier diet quality will be associated with better cognitive function in middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos. Objective The objective of this study was to examine associations between the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010), a measure of diet quality, and cognitive function in middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos. Methods Data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Visit 1 (2008–2011) were used (n = 8461; ages 45–74 y). Cognitive function was assessed with tests of verbal learning and memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed; a global cognition score was derived by summing the z scores of individual tests. Dietary intake was assessed via two 24-h recalls. Total AHEI-2010 score was categorized into quintiles (higher quintiles indicating healthier diet). Linear regression models were used to examine associations between AHEI-2010 quintiles and cognitive function adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, daily energy intake, type 2 diabetes, smoking, and depressive symptoms. Results Compared with the lowest quintile, in the second to fourth AHEI-2010 quintiles, global cognition scores were significantly higher by 0.28, 0.52, and 0.48 units (P-trend = 0.042). In the second to fifth AHEI-2010 quintiles, verbal learning scores were significantly higher by 0.60, 0.62, 0.92, and 0.88 units, and verbal memory scores were higher by 0.33, 0.40, 0.52, and 0.46 units (P-trend = 0.020 and 0.007, respectively). No associations were observed between the AHEI-2010 and verbal fluency or processing speed (P-trend = 0.49 and 0.84, respectively). Among AHEI-2010 components, adequate consumption of vegetables, alcohol, and whole fruits were each associated with better cognitive function. Conclusions An overall healthier diet quality was associated with better global cognition, verbal learning, and verbal memory in middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos.

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayra L Estrella ◽  
melissa lamar ◽  
Ramon A Durazo-Arvizu ◽  
Josiemer Mattei ◽  
Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani ◽  
...  

Introduction: A healthy diet may promote healthy cognitive aging; however, little is known about associations between diet quality and cognition in Hispanics/Latinos. Hypothesis: Higher diet quality (2010 Alternative Healthy Eating Index; AHEI-2010) is associated with better global cognition and performance on specific cognitive tests (verbal learning, memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed) in Hispanics/Latinos. Methods: Data from HCHS/SOL Visit 1 (2008-2011; n=8461; ages 45-74 years) were analyzed. The global cognition score was computed as the sum of z-scores for the individual tests. Dietary intake was assessed via two 24-hour recalls. Total AHEI-2010 score was categorized into quintiles (Q); higher Q represents higher diet quality. Cross-sectional associations between AHEI-2010 and each cognitive test were examined using survey-weighted linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, and total daily energy intake (Model 1); and Model 1 plus Hispanic/Latino heritage, annual household income, language preference, type 2 diabetes, smoking, and depressive symptoms (Model 2). Results: In minimally-adjusted models (Table 1), global cognition, verbal learning, verbal memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed scores were significantly higher by 1.32, 2.38, 1.40, 2.33, and 1.34 units for Q5 (vs. Q1). In fully-adjusted models, global cognitive function scores were significantly higher by 0.28, 0.52, and 0.48 units for Q2 through Q4 (vs. Q1; p -trend= 0.042). Verbal learning scores were significantly higher by 0.60, 0.62, 0.92, and 0.88 units for Q2 through Q5 (vs. Q1; p -trend= 0.020). Verbal memory scores were significantly higher by 0.33, 0.40, 0.52, and 0.46 units for Q2 through Q5 (vs. Q1; p -trend= 0.007). AHEI-2010 was not associated with verbal fluency and processing speed in Model 2. Conclusions: Among middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos, higher diet quality was associated with better global cognition, verbal learning, and memory, but not with verbal fluency, or processing speed.


Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laure Rouch ◽  
Tina Hoang ◽  
Feng Xia ◽  
Stephen Sidney ◽  
Joao Lima ◽  
...  

Background: Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with worse cognition, yet much less is known about the association of cardiac structure and function and decline over time with cognitive function, even as early as midlife. Method: We included 2256 subjects from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study (60% women, 44% black). Echocardiograms were repeated at Years 5, 25, 30 (mean age 30, 50, 55 years, respectively) to assess left ventricular (LV) mass (LVM); LV systolic function with LV ejection fraction (LVEF); LV diastolic function with left atrial volume (LAV) and early peak mitral velocity (E)/early peak mitral annular velocity (e’) ratio. Five cognitive domains were assessed at Year 30: verbal memory, verbal fluency, processing speed, executive function, and global cognition. We investigated the association of (1) 25-year change and (2) Year 25 cardiac structure and function on midlife cognition using linear regressions. Results: Over 25 years, LVM and LAV increased with mean change (SD) of 5.7 g/m 2 (21.7) and 9.6 mL/m 2 (7.4) while LVEF decreased by mean (SD) change of 1.5% (9.0). Greater 25-year increase in LVM was associated with lower global cognition, processing speed, executive function, verbal memory, and verbal fluency. Similarly, greater 25-year increase in LAV was associated with lower cognition on most cognitive domains. Adjustment for (1) demographics, education and (2) hypertension, diabetes, smoking did not notably change the results. 25-year decrease in LVEF was not associated with cognition. In addition, higher Year 25 LVM, LAV and E/e’ ratio were significantly associated with worse cognition on most cognitive domains. Conclusion: Midlife altered cardiac structure and adverse changes from early to middle adulthood are associated with lower midlife cognition. Moreover, LV diastolic but not systolic dysfunction is linked to lower cognition. Our results provide novel information linking early to midlife cardiac structure and function to cognition.


Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Zhu ◽  
David R Jacobs ◽  
Katie A Meyer ◽  
Ka He ◽  
Lenore J Launer ◽  
...  

Primary prevention of cognitive function decline is important for a middle-aged population, but further evidence about the influence of dietary pattern is needed. An A Priori Diet Quality Score (diet score) and cognitive function were studied in the community-based Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study of black and white men and women aged 18-30 in 1985-86 (year 0, Y0). We hypothesized that a higher diet score, measured at Y0 and Y20, predicts better cognitive function measured at Y25. The diet scores incorporated 46 foods groups (each in servings/day categorized into quintiles), with higher scores indicating higher quality diets. The score was the sum of quintile ranks of foods rated healthy, 0 for foods rated neutral, and reversed quintile ranks of foods rated less healthy. Cognitive tests at Y25 measured verbal memory (Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)), psychomotor speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)) and executive function (Stroop Test). Higher cognitive function is reflected by higher RAVLT and DSST scores and lower Stroop Test scores. For each additional 10 units of diet score at Y20, the RAVLT was 0.23 words recalled higher, the DSST was 0.87 digits higher, and the Stroop Test score was 0.69 lower. Diet score measured at Y0 was less strongly but still significantly associated with cognitive scores. In exploratory analysis, we found that education modified the relation between diet pattern and cognitive function measures, e.g. diet and DSST at Y20 were associated in less educated subjects, but not in higher educated subjects (P for interaction =0.02). In conclusion, higher diet score was associated with better cognitive function 5 years later in apparently healthy middle-aged adults. However, diet pattern was not related to some measures of cognitive function in better educated subjects, conceivably because of compensatory behaviors in better educated people that would maintain higher cognitive function scores, despite lower quality diet.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regina S Wright ◽  
Shari R Waldstein ◽  
Marie Fanelli Kuczmarski ◽  
Ryan T Pohlig ◽  
Constance S Gerassimakis ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivePoor diet quality contributes to morbidity, including poor brain health outcomes such as cognitive decline and dementia. African Americans and individuals living in poverty may be at greater risk for cognitive decrements from poor diet quality.DesignCross-sectional.SettingBaltimore, MD, USA.SubjectsParticipants were 2090 African Americans and Whites (57 % female, mean age=47·9 years) who completed two 24 h dietary recalls. We examined cognitive performance and potential interactions of diet quality with race and poverty status using baseline data from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study. Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) scores were calculated and interpreted using federal guidelines. A neurocognitive test battery was administered to evaluate cognitive function over several domains.ResultsLinear regression analyses showed that lower HEI-2010 scores were associated with poorer verbal learning and memory (P<0·05) after adjustment for covariates. Diet quality within the sample was poor. Significant interactions of HEI-2010 and poverty status (allP<0·05) indicated that higher diet quality was associated with higher performance on tests of attention and cognitive flexibility, visuospatial ability and perceptual speed among those below the poverty line. No significant race interactions emerged. Higher diet quality was associated with better performance on two measures of verbal learning and memory, irrespective of race and poverty status.ConclusionsFindings suggest that diet quality and cognitive function are likely related at the population level. Future research is needed to determine whether the association is clinically significant.


2013 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-281.e3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingwang Ye ◽  
Tammy Scott ◽  
Xiang Gao ◽  
Janice E. Maras ◽  
Peter J. Bakun ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Katie L.J. Cederberg ◽  
Brianna Mathison ◽  
Morgan L. Schuetz ◽  
Robert W. Motl

Abstract Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder present in as many as 26% of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and can be associated with cognitive function. The present study examined the relationships between RLS symptoms (severity, frequency, occurrence) and cognitive function in adults with MS who have RLS. Methods: Twenty-two participants attended one laboratory session and completed the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS), the Restless Legs Syndrome-6 Scale (RLS-6), and then the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis battery consisting of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test; California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition; and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised. Results: Nonparametric bivariate correlations indicated that worse IRLS total severity was associated with slower processing speed (ρ = −0.42), worse verbal memory (ρ = −0.63), and worse visual memory (ρ = −0.61); worse RLS severity at falling asleep was associated with worse verbal memory (ρ = −0.45) and worse visual memory (ρ = −0.55); and worse RLS severity during the day while active was associated with slower processing speed (ρ = −0.58), worse verbal memory (ρ = −0.52), and worse visual memory (ρ = −0.60). Conclusions: These results suggest that those with more severe RLS, including worse symptoms at falling asleep and during the day while active, might experience worse cognitive function, particularly processing speed and memory. Future research should evaluate whether treatment of RLS symptoms can offer new opportunities for managing cognitive dysfunction in adults with MS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yameng Fan ◽  
Yinyin Zhang ◽  
Jiaqiao Li ◽  
Yamei Liu ◽  
Huan Chang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Diet, as a modifiable factor, plays an important role in cognitive function. However, the association between adherence to the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), measured by Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, and cognitive function remains unclear. This study aims to explore whether HEI-2015 is associated with various cognitive domains and whether such association is modified by age, gender, or ethnicity in the US adults aged 60 years or older using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Methods HEI-2015 scores were calculated from 24-h dietary recall interviews. Cognitive function was evaluated by Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST, a measure of processing speed), Animal Fluency Test (AFT, a measure of executive function), a subtest from Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s disease (CERAD, a measure of memory), and a composite-z score calculated by summing z scores of individual tests. The associations between HEI-2015 scores and cognitive performance were explored using multiple linear regression models. Results A total of 2450 participants aged 60 years or older were included. Participants with higher HEI-2015 scores were more likely to have higher DSST, AFT as well as composite-z scores (P<0.05). Significant interaction effects were identified between HEI-2015 and ethnicity in specific cognitive domains (Pinteraction<0.05). Among HEI-2015 components, higher intakes of whole fruits and seafood and plant protein were associated with better cognitive performance (P<0.05). Conclusion Higher adherence to DGA is associated with better cognitive performance, especially regarding processing speed and executive function among the US adults aged 60 years or older.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e14018-e14018
Author(s):  
Alberto Zaniboni ◽  
Federica Andreis ◽  
Marco Ferri ◽  
Maria Mazzocchi ◽  
Fausto Meriggi ◽  
...  

e14018 Background: Chemotherapy improves the survival rate of stage III colon cancer patients. The combination of oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (the FOLFOX4 regimen) has emerged as the standard of care. Cognitive changes and disfunction after cancer chemotherapy are increasingly reported as a disturbing side-effect in cancer survivors. This prospective study evaluates potential alterations in cognitive function in Folfox4-treated patients. Methods: We evaluated 57 consecutive colorectal cancer patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy with FOLFOX4. Patients underwent a complete battery of neuropsychological tests at three different times: before (T0), at the end (T1) and six months after treatment (T2). Changes in neuropsychological test scores at T0, T1 and T2 were compared with a two tail t-test (T1-T0, T2-T1, T2-T0), using the repeated measure ANOVA model. Results: We have analyzed cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE), visuo-spatial memory, information processing speed (Trial Making Test-A and Trial Making Test-B), verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), emotional distress (Psychological Distress Inventory), anxiety (State and Trait Anxiety Inventory) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). We found no cognitive impairment in time considered, as we found a median MMSE score of 27,51 ± 1,21 at T0, 27,63 ± 0,65 at T1 and 27,26 ± 1,17 at T2. We noticed some transient variations in tests evaluating verbal memory and in information processing speed performances. The only significative scores modifications were those related to anxiety and depression. Conclusions: We found no significant effect on cognitive function related to chemotherapy, the only little modification is about some emotional performance during chemotherapy. These findings may be explained by the central role of the psychological adaptation process, which occurs during the period from diagnosis to completion of treatment and is characterized by anxiety and adjustment depression. Our results seem to rule out any significant cognitive impairment due to adjuvant Folfox4 chemotherapy in colon cancer patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yameng Fan ◽  
Yinyin Zhang ◽  
Jiaqiao Li ◽  
Yamei Liu ◽  
Huan Chang ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundDiet quality plays an important role in the development of age-related chronic diseases. However, the association between dietary quality assessed by Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and cognitive function among the United States (US) elderly adults remains unclear. The present study aims to explore the association between HEI-2015 and cognitive function in elderly adults using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012. MethodsHEI-2015 scores were calculated from two days 24-hour recall interviews. The cognitive function was evaluated by Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Animal Fluency Test (AFT) and a global cognition level derived by summing the z scores of individual tests. The associations between HEI-2015 and cognitive function were explored using multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression models. ResultsA total of 1278 participants aged 60 years or older were included. Compared to the lowest HEI-2015 tertile, the elderly adults in highest tertile had a higher global cognition, DSST and AFT scores (P<0.05); with the lowest quartile of global cognition as cognitive impairment, those who were in the highest HEI-2015 tertile had 38% lower odds of cognitive impairment (OR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.42-0.91). Among HEI-2015 components, the elderly adults adhering to recommended intake of whole grains and whole fruits components were more likely to have better performance on global cognition (P<0.05). ConclusionThe higher HEI-2015 was positively associated the better cognitive performance on the global cognition, DSST, and AFT in the US elderly adults.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1803
Author(s):  
Sharmin Hossain ◽  
May A. Beydoun ◽  
Michele K. Evans ◽  
Alan B. Zonderman ◽  
Marie F. Kuczmarski

Objective: We investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of diet quality with middle-aged caregiver status. Methods: Caregiving in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study (57.7% women, 62% African American (AA)) was measured at waves 3 (2009–2013) and 4 (2013–2017) (mean follow-up time 4.1 years). Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) derived from two separate 24 h diet recalls. Multivariable ordinary least square regression was performed for cross-sectional analyses of the association of wave 4 caregiving with wave 4 HEI-2010. Wave 3 caregiving was examined both cross-sectionally and with annual rate of change in HEI using mixed-effects linear regression Models. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, sex, and poverty status. Results: Cross-sectional analyses at wave 4 demonstrate an inverse association of frequent caregiving (“Daily or Weekly” vs. “Never”) for grandchildren with HEI-2010 total score (i.e., lower diet quality) among Whites (β = −2.83 ± 1.19, p = 0.03, Model 2) and AAs (β = −1.84 ± 0.79, p = 0.02,). The “cross-sectional” analysis pertaining to grandchildren caregiving frequency suggested that frequent caregiving (i.e., “Daily or Weekly” vs. “Never” (β = −2.90 ± 1.17, p = 0.04)) only among Whites was inversely related to HEI-2010 total score. Total HEI-2010 score was also related to caring (Model 1), for the elderly over “5 years vs. Never” among Whites (−7.31 ± 3.54, p = 0.04, Model 2). Longitudinally, we found slight potential improvement in diet quality over time (“Daily or Weekly” vs. Never by TIME interaction: +0.88 ± 0.38, p = 0.02) with frequent caregiving among Whites, but not so among AAs. Conclusions: Frequent caring for grandchildren had an inverse relationship with the diet quality of White and AA urban middle-aged caregivers, while caring for elderly was inversely linked to diet quality among Whites only. Longitudinal studies should address the paucity of research on caregivers’ nutritional quality.


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