Vegetarianism and grape seed powder on cognition and neuropsychological status among healthy adults in Ranga Reddy district TS

Abstract

The prevalence of dementia, cognitive decline, and other forms of age-related brain deterioration poses significant public health concerns globally. Cognitive capacities often undergo changes as humans age, with noticeable disparities emerging around middle age. If cognitive decline begins in the middle years of adulthood, substantial changes may accumulate by the time individuals reach their 60s and 70s, potentially impacting the effectiveness of interventions. These effects may manifest as difficulties with memory, problem-solving, language, and other cognitive functions. The longer the decline persists, the more challenging it may be to address, as the brain may have undergone structural and functional changes that are harder to reverse hence early interventions for preventive care are crucial to mitigate these changes. Dietary patterns, particularly vegetarianism, have garnered attention for their potential impact on brain and mental health. Additionally, grape seed powder (GSP), rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like proanthocyanidins, may combat cognitive decline. This study uniquely investigates the combines neuro-cognitive effects of GSP in humans, particularly in India, where most research has focused on animal models. The study utilized cognitive and mental health questionnaires, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Nutritional evaluations involved measures such as 24-hour dietary recall, food frequency questionnaires, and body composition analysis. A cross-sectional study assessed the impact of vegetarianism on cognition and neuropsychological status. Results indicated that vegetarians had significantly lower DASS scores for depression, anxiety, and stress compared to non-vegetarians (depression: 10.0±0.06 vs 17.0±0.07, p=lt.001; anxiety: 4.0±0.05 vs 6.0±0.07, p=0.005; stress: 8.0±0.02 vs 10.0±0.05, p=0.007), suggesting better mental health. Vegetarians also exhibited higher MMSE scores than non-vegetarians (26±0.04 vs