AIMS

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Changes in lifestyle and dietary patterns play a crucial role in preventing both diabetes and cognitive impairment.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 899 aging participants. The Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was used to evaluate dietary diversity. The physical activity (PA) levels were divided based on metabolic equivalents and weekly activity time. Individual PA levels were further re-scored and combined with DDS scores to obtain each participant's total score.

RESULTS

Regardless of T2DM status, individuals with MCI had lower DDS and plant-derived DDS compared to non-MCI individuals. Non-MCI subjects had higher total PA and DDS scores than MCI subjects. There were differences in the correlation between DDS or PA scores and blood glucose and MoCA scores among different groups. The subjects with high DDS levels showed a significantly decreased risk of MCI and T2DM + MCI. Those with a total PA and DDS score in Q4 showed a significantly decreased risk of MCI and T2DM + MCI compared to Q1.

CONCLUSIONS

A diversified diet improved blood glucose levels and cognitive function. Elderly individuals with diverse diets and adequate PA had a reduced risk of developing T2DM and MCI.