Prudent diet may attenuate the adverse effects of Western diet on cognitive decline

Introduction: The influence of mixed dietary patterns on cognitive changes is unknown. Methods: A total of 2223 dementia-free participants aged >= 60 were followed up for 6 years to examine the impact of dietary patterns on cognitive decline. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was administered. Diet was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. By factor analysis, Western and prudent dietary patterns emerged. Mixed-effect models for longitudinal data with repeated measurements were used. Results: Compared with the lowest adherence to each pattern, the highest adherence to prudent pattern was related to less MMSE decline (beta = 0.106, P = .011), whereas the highest adherence to Western pattern was associated with more MMSE decline (beta = -0.156, P < .001). The decline associated withWestern diet was attenuated when accompanied by high adherence to prudent pattern. Discussion: High adherence to prudent diet may diminish the adverse effects of high adherence to Western diet on cognitive decline. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.