SoUth Korean study to PrEvent cognitive impaiRment and protect BRAIN (SUPERBRAIN) showed improvement in cognitive function mostly in individuals with nutritional improvement: Sub-analysis of SUPERBRAIN results

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is reported to be effective in preventing dementia. As the number of older adults with dementia in Korea increases, intervention programs suitable for older adults with dementia are needed. Therefore, we developed a Korean multi-domain dementia prevention program including nutrition, exercise, cognitive training, vascular disease prevention and motivation. METHOD: One-hundred fifty three participants aged 60-79 years with at least 1 dementia risk factor were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to the FMI (Facility-based intervention), HMI (Home-based intervention) and the control group. The nutrition education program consisted of 10 classes during 24 weeks: the FMI received 7 group sessions and 3 1:1 sessions, the HMI received 4 group sessions and 3 1:1 sessions with 3 times homework sessions. The NQ-E (Nutrition Quotient for Elderly) and the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) were used to evaluate nutritional status. The RBANS (Repeatable Battery for Neuropsychological Status) and the CCI (Cognitive Complaint Interview) were used to evaluate cognitive function. RESULT: A total of 136 people (36 males and 100 females) completed the program with an 11.1% dropout rate. The NQ-E score (p=0.009) and the RBANS score (p=0.001) were significantly increased in the FMI (N=45) and HMI (N=49) compared to the control group (N=42) after the study. The changes in the MNA score and the CCI score did not differ significantly among groups. As a result of sub-analysis with the changes in the NQ-E score before and after the study, there was no significant difference in cognitive function indicators among three groups when there was no change or improvement in the NQ-E score. On the other hand, for those whose NQ-E score was improved, the RBANS scores of the FMI (N=32) and the HMI (N=37) were significantly increased compared to the control group (N=25) (FMI: 0wk 496.69 points, 24wk 510.41 points; HMI: 0wk 502.86 points, 24wk 519.86 points, p=0.024). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, nutritional intervention focused on the MIND diet as a part of a multi-domain intervention had an effect on improving the nutritional status and cognitive function score in the high-risk group of dementia. © 2021 the Alzheimer's Association.