Exploring the correlation between dietary pattern and cognitive functioning in an aging rural Indian population

Abstract Background Studies on the relationship between diet and cognition have been predominantly from urban and Western populations. However, dietary patterns could vary considerably between populations and the rural Indian population has been grossly underrepresented in this research We aim to investigate the association between dietary pattern and cognitive functioning in an aging, rural Indian population. Method The current study utilized a cross sectional design, comprising cognitively healthy participants from the SANSCOG (Srinivaspura Aging Neuro Senescence and COGnition) cohort, an ongoing, aging, community‐based cohort study in a rural, southern part of India, recruited through an area sampling strategy. A total of 3,095 dementia‐free participants, aged 45 years and above, who had completed a dietary assessment questionnaire and underwent a detailed cognitive assessment were included in the study. Cognitive performance was evaluated using a culturally adapted computerized neurocognitive test battery, COGNITO (Computerized assessment of adult information processing), which assesses cognitive domains such as attention, memory, language, visuospatial ability and executive functioning. A composite z score was derived from the average of the individual cognitive domain scores. A linear regression model was employed to investigate the association between dietary pattern and cognitive functioning after adjusting for potential confounders. Result Our findings showed that participants with lesser fluid intake (3 cups/day [β: ‐0.058, 95%CI: ‐0.106, ‐0.010] and 3‐5 cups/day [β: ‐0.063, 95%CI: ‐0.102, ‐0.025]) had poorer cognitive performance when compared with those with fluid intake of more than 5 cups/day. In addition, consumption of meat and fish was associated with poorer cognitive performance [β: ‐0.079, 95%CI: ‐0.153, ‐0.004] compared to participants who do not consume meat and fish. Further, we did not find any significant association of the other dietary variables that were studied, such as like number of meals per day, consumption of fruits and vegetables, eggs and legumes with cognitive performance. Conclusion Our study highlights the important influence of dietary pattern on cognition. Comprehensive dietary assessments and a longitudinal study design are necessary to make any robust conclusions regarding the precise relationship between dietary pattern and cognitive functioning.