Diet and cognition in older people in Mexico City.

Background: Specific dietary compounds are essential for cognitive health.

Objective: To examine differences in the consumption of macronutrients and inorganic nutrients between people with a higher and lower risk of cognitive impairment.

Material and methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the 3Ollin study. Minimal Mental State Examination determined cognitive status. Two groups were obtained from the median of the score: higher and lower risk of cognitive deterioration. Diet was assessed using two 24-hour recalls. Descriptive statistics and comparison analysis of medians using Mann-Whitney U and Spearman correlation analysis were performed between nutrients and MMSE scores. The results were considered statistically significant when p ≤ 0.05.

Results: Data from 425 people were analyzed; the median age was 71 years (P25-P75 = 65-77). In the group with a lower risk of cognitive impairment, a higher consumption of calories, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, folate, phosphorus, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, zinc, selenium, and lycopene were observed. Also, a greater consumption of fruits and vegetables (p < 0.005).

Conclusions: There are significant differences in diet between groups at risk for cognitive impairment.