The mediterranean and MIND dietary patterns: Associations with cognition and psychological distress among latinos

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Latinos (N = 61; M_age = 58.59 ± 8.66, 67% female). Food consumption was assessed using the Block 2005 Food Frequency Questionnaire and was used to compute MIND and Mediterranean diet scores. NIH Toolbox was used to assess perceived stress, general life satisfaction, sadness, and loneliness. Multiple linear regressions with adjustment for covariates (e.g., age, sex, and education) were conducted. Results: MIND diet scores significantly predicted executive function (B = .301, p = .018) and did not significantly predict other domains of cognition or psychological distress. The MedDiet scores significantly predicted perceived stress levels (B = -.437, p = .001), general life satisfaction (B = .411, p = .002), sadness (B = -.335, p = .039), and digit span backward scores (B = -.326, p = .020); however, the MedDiet did not significantly predict loneliness (B = -.097, p = .500), or any other domains of cognition. Discussion: Findings demonstrate that the MIND diet was associated with better executive function while the MedDiet was associated with reduced stress and sadness as well as increased life satisfaction. Future studies may consider culturally tailoring dietary patterns for Latinos to increase adherence and thereby improve cognitive and psychological outcomes.