Comparison of Eating Habits, Body Composition and Densitometric Parameters between Subjects with Normal Cognitive Function and Mild Cognitive Impairment: An Observational Study

Abstract

The role of nutrition in the ageing process of the brain is pivotal. Therefore, the study aimed to compare eating habits, body composition and densitometric parameters between subjects with normal cognitive function (NCF) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 95 subjects with NCF (74% of women) and 95 individuals with MCI (77% of women) aged 50–70 years were studied. Densitometric parameters were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry methods. Eating habits were assessed using the food frequency questionnaire and 3-day diary records, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) intake was calculated. Significant differences between groups were detected for the %fat in the right arm (NCF vs. MCI: 38.4 (30.4–46.8) vs. 43.5 (35.5–49.2)%, p = 0.0407). Moreover, the MCI group had a significantly lower intake of calcium (p = 0.0010), phosphor (p = 0.0411), vitamins B2 (p = 0.0138) and B12 (p = 0.0024) compared to the NCF group, with both groups also differing in the frequency of butter (p = 0.0191) and fermented milk beverages (p = 0.0398) intake. Analysis restricted to women showed significant differences between groups in right arm %fat, VAT mass, calcium, vitamins B2, B12, butter and fermented milk products intake, while in men, differences were detected in the intake of calcium, iodine, vitamin B1, water and AGEs. In conclusion, subjects with NCF and MCI have comparable densitometric variables but differ significantly in some body composition parameters and the intake of some food groups and nutrients.

No Differences in Urine Bisphenol A Concentrations between Subjects Categorized with Normal Cognitive Function and Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scores

“…Several factors could contribute to this variability, including the subjects' lifestyle behaviours and their health status. Differences in dietary habits [27] and physical activity levels [48] could account for this variability. Moreover, there may be physiological differences in how BPA is metabolised or excreted in individuals with MCI compared to those without cognitive impairments.…”

“…In this study, we employed a cross-sectional study design to compare individuals with MCI and NCF [27]. Recruitment and enrolment occurred over approximately 14 months (from July 2021 to August 2022) through the distribution of leaflets and posters, posting of recruitment information on the internet, and invitations to participate in the survey sent to various companies, associations, and institutions located in Pozna ń (Greater Poland Voivodeship) and the surrounding area.…”

“…Figure 1 illustrates the workflow of this study. As described earlier [27], approximately 1000 individuals were interested in participating, of which 969 were eligible. Of these, 99 were initially placed in the NCF group, but 1 participant opted out of the study, and 9 were excluded from the analysis due to various reasons, so the NCF group ultimately included 89 participants.…”