Association of midlife macronutrient and mineral intake with subjective cognitive complaints in a prospective cohort of women.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the association between dietary nutrients and subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), which are potential predictors of Alzheimer's disease-related dementia (ADRD). We aimed to examine the association of midlife intake of macronutrients, as well as of a few other nutrients, with SCC development.

METHODS

We included 5119 participants who responded to the 2018 or 2020 follow-up questionnaire of the New York University Women's Health Study. Dietary data were collected using a validated self-administered Block food frequency questionnaire, and nutrient intake were calculated using food lists and food composition tables. SCCs were assessed using a standardized questionnaire.

RESULTS

Dietary intakes of fiber, carbohydrates, and potassium were inversely associated with having ≥ 2 SCC (p-trend = 0.0047, 0.026, and 0.0015, respectively), whereas higher intakes of total fat and saturated fat, as well as a higher ratio of fat to carbohydrates, were positively associated with ≥ 2 SCCs (p-trend = < 0.0001, 0.0015, and 0.0025, respectively). The positive associations of total fat intake and the log-ratio of fat to carbohydrates with ≥ 2 SCCs remained significant after controlling for other nutrients (p-trend = 0.008 and 0.036, respectively). The association between total fat intake and SCCs was stronger among participants with lower caloric intake (< median = 1430 kcal) compared with those consuming higher intake (≥ 1430 kcal) (p-value for interaction = 0.0049). The associations did not differ appreciably by other factors.

CONCLUSION

We observed a positive association between midlife dietary fat intakes and SCCs in later life in a cohort of women.