The current study explores the association between Mediterranean Diet and cognitive decline in the elderly. 401 elderly men and women residing in the greater Athens area were assessed through specific questionnaires. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet was represented by the MD score [MDS, 0–3 (low), 4–5 (intermediate),6–9 (high)]. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was administered to participants twice (baseline, 2004-2006 and second assessment, 2011-2012). MMSE change (cMMSE) was categorized as: improved/unchanged (cMMSE ≥ 0), mildly lower (cMMSE −1 to −4) or substantially lower (cMMSE ≤ −5).
According to the results, a decline in MMSE performance was inversely associated with adherence to MD. For mild versus no decline, odds ratio (OR) comparing high to low MD adherence was 0.46. For substantial versus no decline, OR comparing high to low MD adherence was 0.34. Among the nine MDS components, only
vegetable consumption exhibited a significant inverse association with cognitive decline.
Consequently, greater adherence to the traditional MD might be protective against cognitive decline in the elderly population. Higher vegetable consumption seems to play a key role, possibly in synergy with additional components of the diet.