Nutrition Effects on Brain Outcomes and Recovery in Stroke after Hospitalization (NOURISH): Randomized controlled trial protocol and rationale.

BACKGROUND

Risk of dementia doubles after stroke. There is limited information on reduction of risk, but diet is a significant modifiable risk factor for both vascular health and cognition.

OBJECTIVE

Nutrition effects on brain Outcomes and Recovery In Stroke after Hospitalization (NOURISH; registration no. NCT04337255) is a phase III randomized controlled trial designed to test the effects of the MIND diet on changes in cognition following an acute ischemic stroke.

STUDY

METHODS

Eligible participants aged 55 and older were randomized to either the MIND diet intervention facilitated by credentialled nutritionists plus post-stroke care (Coach) or a post-stroke care intervention led by health educators (Self) for 24-36 months. Repeated assessments included anthropometric measurements, cognitive testing, blood and urinary biomarkers, and a variety of validated post-stroke outcome measures and follow-up visits for up to 3 years, with MRI scans conducted on a subset of participants at baseline and the study's end. Unique features of this study include:

CONCLUSIONS

This study will evaluate the MIND diet intervention in preventing cognitive impairment in older adults after acute stroke. Findings will provide insights for the development of dietary guidelines for post-stroke care.