Cognitive Status Assessment of Bengalee Adolescents of Age Range 11-14 y participating in institutional Mid-Day Meal program me in West Bengal, India

Abstract: Adolescence is an important phase of life that bridges childhood and adulthood ranging from 10 to 19 years, forms the largest generation of young people in the world and about 90% of them residing in developing countries. It is a vital time period not only for physical growth but also for mental development. Under-nutrition in adolescent, even for relatively short-term, can have negative effects on the cognition that may lead to poor school performance. In India, to eliminate under-nutrition and promote better learning among children belonging to low socio-economic group, Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme was launched by the Government of India. For the growth of healthy brain, optimal learning and academic performance, a balanced nutrition is required. In this backdrop, present study has been undertaken among Bengalee adolescents of age range 11-14 y participating in institutional MDM to assess the cognitive status. Assessment of cognitive status was done by several methods such as Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) for children, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Trail Making Test (TMT) Parts A and B in respect with physical growth and development assessed by body height and body weight. Comparison was also made between Mid Day Meal participants and non Mid Day Meal participants. The results showed that there is a scope for improvement of cognitive status in the study participants participating in institutional Mid Day Meal programme.