Practicability of Six Weeks of Korean-Style Mediterranean Diet for Elderly Koreans with High Risk for Dementia
10.14373/JKDA.2019.25.4.237
- Author:
Eun Hee JEONG
1
;
Eunji KIM
;
Chang Hyung HONG
;
So Young MOON
;
Hee Kyung PARK
;
Jee Hyang JEONG
;
Hae Ri NA
;
Seong Hye CHOI
;
Yoo Kyoung PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea. ypark@khu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
mediterranean diet;
elderly;
dementia;
nutrition intervention;
K-MMSE
- MeSH:
Aged;
Dementia;
Depression;
Diet;
Diet, Mediterranean;
Fruit;
Humans;
Vegetables;
Walking
- From:Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
2019;25(4):237-256
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to verify whether Mediterranean diet, which proved to have a significant effect on preventing dementia for people aged 65 or older, could be well modified to be a Korean-style Mediterranean diet. This study was performed as a randomized-controlled trial for 6 weeks. Functional physical changes, cognitive scores, depression scores and dietary changes were all assessed. The walking speed (P<0.001) and the cognitive scores were statistically improved in only the experimental group (P<0.001), and the depression scores were also significantly improved in only the experimental group (P<0.01). The dietary intake showed a 30% improvement for consuming more than 7 cups per day of vegetables and fruits. When the participants were contacted four months after the end of the study, 90% of them said that the Korean-style Mediterranean diet was feasible and 100% said the nutrition interventions helped them maintain the diet during their daily lives. The results suggest that although the Mediterranean diet can be difficult to apply, any limitations of this healthy diet can be overcome.
