223638 Influence of vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian diet on cognition using CVLT

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM

Lisandra Perez, MD, MPH(c) , Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Loma Linda University- School of Public Health, Colton, CA
Atif Adam , School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
A. Dean Sherzai, MD, MAS , Director of Memory Disorders Clinic, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Study Objective: To detect differential patterns in cognitive decline among a vegetarian versus non-vegetarian population.

Background: Cognitive decline has personal, economic and healthcare repercussions. A large body of studies have shown a significant role of nutrition in cognitive decline. Participants in the first Adventist Health Study-1 (AHS-1), which include 34,192 members of 437 Seventh-day Adventist churches living in California, have shown that eating nuts and drinking more than 5 glasses of water reduces the risk of heart attack and disease by 50%. Being that this is a uniquely homogeneous group, in which the majority are non-consumers of alcohol, non-smokers, vegetarian, and are very responsive, we would like to study this population further regarding nutrition and cognition.

Methods: A cohort of 500 subjects were randomly selected from the AHS-1 to assess the relationship between mean caloric intake and mean Mini-Mental State Examination scores. Each participant was asked to complete a comprehensive food frequency questionnaire as well as the California Verbal Learning Test (CLVT). Furthermore, comprehensive laboratory, as well as biophysical testing was done on all patients.

Results: A multiple-regression analysis is being conducted to evaluate the CVLT data. We expect to see a significant difference in cognitive profile, as demonstrated by CVLT, in vegetarian vs. Non-vegetarian subjects.

Conclusion: Results will characterize specific nutrients that affect cognition, and thus contribute further to the current knowledge of evidence in the identification and management of cognitive decline.

Learning Areas:
Biostatistics, economics
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Epidemiology

Learning Objectives:
Identify the relationship between risk of cognitive decline and vegetarian versus non-vegetarian diet. Identify any relationship between risk of cognitive decline and specific nutrients. Evaluate the relationship between risk of cognitive decline and diet by education and lifestyle. Identify the differential patterns of cognitive decline across the CVLT parameters for those on different diets; those with differential cardiac risk factors (Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, cardiac disease, etc.), and those with differential lifestyle choices (cigarette smoking, consumptions of coffee, and exercise).

Keywords: Nutrition, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have a medical degree and soon to complete an MPH. I am currently conducting research in this area: nutrition and aging.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4276.0: Nutrition and Aging