(OR32-05-24) Adherence to a MIND Diet Pattern Is Associated With Better Cognitive Function and Less Peripheral Inflammation in Breast Cancer Survivors

Objectives: Cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is frequently reported during and after chemotherapy for breast cancer (BC). Cognitive domains affected include memory, processing speed, executive function, and verbal fluency. Inflammation is one proposed mechanism underlying CRCI. The MIND dietary pattern has been associated with preservation of cognition in non-cancer populations. The objective of this study was to identify associations of overall MIND diet score and individual MIND food components with cognitive function and inflammatory markers in BC survivors.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 21 post-menopausal women with stage I-III BC, 3-12 months after initial chemotherapy. Dietary intake was assessed via an electronic food frequency questionnaire. Inflammatory markers were measured in serum using multiplex enzyme-linked immunoassay. Cognition was assessed using a battery of objective tests that captured cognitive domains of interest for CRCI. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to evaluate associations between overall MIND score and MIND components with cognition and inflammation.

Results: Overall MIND diet scores were positively associated with episodic memory (ρ =0.53, p=0.01) and phonemic fluency (ρ=0.48, p=0.03). Comparing MIND food components, servings of fish were positively associated with episodic memory (ρ=0.45, p=0.04), processing speed (ρ=0.44, p=0.047), phonemic (ρ=0.54, p=0.01) and semantic (ρ=0.63, p=0.002) fluency, and with global cognition (ρ=0.69, p=0.0006). Servings of red meats were positively associated with episodic memory (ρ=0.50, p=0.02). Servings of other vegetables were positively associated with phonemic (ρ=0.46, p=0.04) and semantic fluency (ρ=0.46, p=0.04). Overall MIND scores were inversely associated with serum interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (ρ=-0.46, p=0.04). Inverse trends were also observed with overall MIND score and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and TNF receptor II.

Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that better adherence to a MIND dietary pattern is associated with better cognition and reduced inflammation in BC survivors within one year post-chemotherapy. Future research should evaluate the potential neuroprotective effects of the MIND diet in clinical trials assessing CRCI.

Funding Sources: OSU Foods for Health, CCTS, OSU CCC awards