Citation
Estrella, Mayra L.; Durazo-Arvizu, Ramon A.; Mattei, Josiemer; Mossavar-Rahmani, Yasmin; Perreira, Krista M.; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Sotres-Alvarez, Daniela T.; González, Hector M.; Gallo, Linda C.; & Daviglus, Martha L., et al. (2020). Alternate Healthy Eating Index Is Positively Associated with Cognitive Function among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanics/Latinos in the HCHS/SOL. Journal of Nutrition, 150(6), 1478-1487. PMCID: PMC7269746Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diet quality may be an important area of focus for promoting cognitive health; however, the association between diet quality and cognitive function among Hispanics/Latinos remains largely unexamined. We hypothesized that a healthier diet quality will be associated with better cognitive function in middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos.OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine associations between the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010), a measure of diet quality, and cognitive function in middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos.
METHODS: Data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Visit 1 (2008-2011) were used (n = 8461; ages 45-74 y). Cognitive function was assessed with tests of verbal learning and memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed; a global cognition score was derived by summing the z scores of individual tests. Dietary intake was assessed via two 24-h recalls. Total AHEI-2010 score was categorized into quintiles (higher quintiles indicating healthier diet). Linear regression models were used to examine associations between AHEI-2010 quintiles and cognitive function adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, daily energy intake, type 2 diabetes, smoking, and depressive symptoms.
RESULTS: Compared with the lowest quintile, in the second to fourth AHEI-2010 quintiles, global cognition scores were significantly higher by 0.28, 0.52, and 0.48 units (P-trend = 0.042). In the second to fifth AHEI-2010 quintiles, verbal learning scores were significantly higher by 0.60, 0.62, 0.92, and 0.88 units, and verbal memory scores were higher by 0.33, 0.40, 0.52, and 0.46 units (P-trend = 0.020 and 0.007, respectively). No associations were observed between the AHEI-2010 and verbal fluency or processing speed (P-trend = 0.49 and 0.84, respectively). Among AHEI-2010 components, adequate consumption of vegetables, alcohol, and whole fruits were each associated with better cognitive function.
CONCLUSIONS: An overall healthier diet quality was associated with better global cognition, verbal learning, and verbal memory in middle-aged and older Hispanics/Latinos.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxaa023Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2020Journal Title
Journal of NutritionAuthor(s)
Estrella, Mayra L.Durazo-Arvizu, Ramon A.
Mattei, Josiemer
Mossavar-Rahmani, Yasmin
Perreira, Krista M.
Siega-Riz, Anna Maria
Sotres-Alvarez, Daniela T.
González, Hector M.
Gallo, Linda C.
Daviglus, Martha L.
Lamar, Melissa