An article in Health Science Reports details the rationale and protocol for a proposed study of the effects of the MIND diet—Mediterranean‐DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay—combining the Mediterranean diet with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension in an attempt to safeguard cognitive function.
As of 2020, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome ranged from just under 20% for 20 to 39 year olds to almost 50% of those aged 60. The study population will be those with metabolic syndrome, aged 18 to 60, who will be separated into three groups:
- Administered the MIND diet along with a placebo
- Given a combination of the MIND diet and propolis supplement
- Control group will receive a microcrystalline cellulose placebo + usual dietary advice
Previous studies showed:
- The highest MIND score led to a lower incidence of CVD
- Significant correlation between the MIND diet and decreased general obesity and HDL‐C levels
- Significant reduction in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose after propolis consumption
The researchers state, “Considering the importance of chronic diseases like MetS on health, the role of the MIND diet and propolis supplement…will improve blood sugar, blood lipid, anthropometric indicators, blood pressure, and cognitive function, and limited contradictory studies, we decided to conduct this study.”
