The Association of Dietary Inflammatory Index and Cognitive Function in Iranian Elders Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Diet may not be linked to cognitive health in elderly Iranians. A study shows no significant connection between inflammatory foods and mental sharpness. #ElderlyHealth #Nutrition

Mohseni M¹ ; Shivappa N^{2, 3, 4} ; Shojaei M^{5, 6} ; Bagherniya M^{5, 6} ; Mohammadi H⁷ ; Hasanzadeh A⁸ ; Hebert JR^{2, 3, 4} ; Askari G^{5, 6} ; Sahebkar A^{9, 10}
Source: Recent Advances in Food, Nutrition and Agriculture Published:2024

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment is amongst the most substantial mental health problems in elderly people, and inflammation is an underlying mechanism for cognitive impairment. The dietary inflammatory index (DII®) reflects the overall inflammatory potential of individuals’ diets. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between the DII and cognitive function among the Iranian oldpopulation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 221 subjects≥65 years old in healthcare centers in five socioeconomically distinct districts of Tehran, Iran. Dietary intake data were obtained using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Energy-adjusted-DII (E-DIITM) scores were calculated for each participant according to a total of 35 food parameters, which were available from the FFQ. Mini mental state examination (MMSE), a brief screening questionnaire was used to assess cognitive function. Results: E-DII scores were not significantly associated with cognitive function, both in the crude model (β=-0.04, p-value=0.82) and after adjusting for potential confounders (β=0.22, p-value=0.14). Additionally, in the unadjusted model, individuals in the highest tertile of E-DII score had increased odds of mild cognitive impairment (OR=1.13, p-trend=0.01) compared to those older adults in the lowest tertile of E-DII score. However, after controlling for potential confounders, these relationships faded (AOR=1.46, p-trend=0.12). Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed no significant relationship between E-DII and cognitive function among the Iranian elderly. Future prospective studies should be undertaken to explore the association between diet-associated inflammation and cognitive decline in the elderly. © 2024 Bentham Science Publishers.