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Alternate Healthy Eating Index is Positively Associated with Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanics/Latinos in the HCHS/SOL.

TitleAlternate Healthy Eating Index is Positively Associated with Cognitive Function Among Middle-Aged and Older Hispanics/Latinos in the HCHS/SOL.
Publication TypePublication
Year2020
AuthorsEstrella ML, Durazo-Arvizu RA, Mattei J, Mossavar-Rahmani Y, Perreira KM, Siega-Riz AMaria, Sotres-Alvarez D, González HM, Gallo LC, Daviglus ML, Lamar M
JournalJ Nutr
Volume150
Issue6
Pagination1478-1487
Date Published2020 Jun 01
ISSN1541-6100
KeywordsAged, Cognition, Diet, Healthy, Female, Hispanic or Latino, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, United States
Abstract

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.

DOI10.1093/jn/nxaa023
Alternate JournalJ Nutr
PubMed ID32091597
PubMed Central IDPMC7269746
Grant ListR56 AG048642 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
T32 HL125294 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States
P30 AG010129 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
P2C HD050924 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
L60 MD015551 / MD / NIMHD NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG055527 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG048642 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
MS#: 
0717
Manuscript Lead/Corresponding Author Affiliation: 
Field Center: Chicago (University of Illinois at Chicago)
ECI: 
Yes
Manuscript Affiliation: 
Field Center: Chicago (University of Illinois at Chicago)
Manuscript Status: 
Published