Mediterranean diet and brain functional connectivity in a population without dementia
2024

Mediterranean Diet and Brain Connectivity in Healthy Adults

Sample size: 105 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Karavasilis Efstratios, Balomenos Vasileios, Christidi Foteini, Velonakis Georgios, Angelopoulou Georgia, Yannakoulia Mary, Mamalaki Eirini, Drouka Archontoula, Brikou Dora, Tsapanou Angeliki, Gu Yian, Scarmeas Nikolaos

Primary Institution: Democritus University of Thrace

Hypothesis

Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet will be associated with specific patterns of functional connectivity in the brain.

Conclusion

The study found that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet is linked to improved functional connectivity in brain regions associated with cognitive processes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet showed better functional connectivity in brain regions related to attention and memory.
  • The study used resting-state fMRI to assess brain connectivity.
  • Significant associations were found between dietary adherence and brain connectivity patterns.
  • Functional connectivity changes may reflect early indicators of cognitive decline.

Takeaway

Eating a Mediterranean diet may help your brain work better as you get older.

Methodology

The study examined the association between the Mediterranean diet and brain functional connectivity using resting-state fMRI in 105 individuals without dementia.

Potential Biases

Participants were selected from a specific clinic, which may not represent the general population.

Limitations

The study has a relatively small sample size and is cross-sectional, limiting the generalizability and causality of the findings.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 63 years on average, with 72 females and 33 males.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fnimg.2024.1473399

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