Adhering to a Mediterranean diet may help improve cognitive enhancement and memory function in Black individuals, addressing a significant health issue that disproportionately affects the community.
The REGARDS study published Sept. 18, funded by the National Institutes of Health, investigated the reasons behind higher stroke rates and cognitive decline in Southern and Black Americans. According to Heart.org, approximately 55% of Black adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, with this group experiencing higher rates of more severe hypertension compared to other ethnicities, often developing it at an earlier age. While older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia compared to older whites, the underlying causes remain unclear. Notably, higher rates of cardiovascular disease may contribute to this disparity, the Alzheimer’s Association notes.
How was the REGARDS study conducted?
Researchers explored the benefits of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay Diet (MIND Diet), which combines elements from both the traditional Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, to address various health issues. The study assessed data from 30,000 adults aged 45 and older, with over 14,000 participants—70% white and 30% Black—providing dietary information and health evaluations at the start and after 10 years.
Participants’ adherence to the MIND diet guidelines was also evaluated, which encouraged the consumption of whole grains, leafy greens, other vegetables, berries, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and primarily olive oil while limiting red and processed meats, fried foods, and butter, CNN reported.
Here are the findings.
The findings revealed that those who closely followed the MIND diet were 4% less likely to develop memory and cognitive issues compared to those who did not adhere to it. This relationship remained significant after controlling for factors such as exercise, education, smoking, body mass index, medical conditions, age, and mental health.
Additionally, participants with cognitive impairments who adhered to the MIND diet experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline, with this effect being more pronounced in Black participants than in their white counterparts. For women, the risk of developing cognitive impairment was even lower, with a 6% reduced likelihood. In contrast, the study found that men did not experience this same benefit.
Further research is necessary to validate the findings of the REGARDS study, as historical and systemic factors play a significant role in these health disparities. These factors often involve limited access to healthcare, healthy food options, and other related challenges such as environmental issues or genetics. However, researchers believe that the evidence provides a promising foundation for helping Black community members combat cognitive decline.
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