Dietary total antioxidant capacity, diet quality and quality of life in adults with and without dementia

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC), diet quality, nutrient intake, and quality of life in adults aged 45 years and older with and without dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 102 adults, including 51 individuals with dementia and 51 cognitively healthy controls, were assessed. Dietary intake was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire. DTAC was calculated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020), and quality of life was measured using the Short Form-12 (SF-12). RESULTS: Individuals with dementia had lower DTAC, lower intake of many macro- and micronutrients, and lower physical and mental quality-of-life scores than controls. HEI-2020 component scores differed significantly only for total fruit and whole fruit intake. No significant association was observed between DTAC and quality-of-life scores in either group. CONCLUSION: Nutritional inadequacy and lower quality of life were evident among adults with dementia. Comprehensive nutritional assessment and support may be important components of dementia care.