Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Submission Date

4-5-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (BSHN)

First Mentor

Andrea Charvet ,Ph.D., RDN, LDN

Keywords

cognitive decline, disease progression, non-pharmacological intervention, anti-inflammatory diets

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to a broad range of neurological issues. Individuals with ALS experience progressive muscle weakness, dysphagia, slurred speech, and impaired movement and cognition. In addition to physical symptoms, around 15-20% of individuals with ALS also develop frontotemporal dementia (FTD). There are limited interventions to slow cognitive decline in this specific population. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet has been associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk in neurodegenerative disease among older adults; however, its effects have not been researched in individuals with ALS. The objective of this study is to determine whether adherence to the MIND diet can delay cognitive decline in individuals with ALS and comorbid FTD. This study proposes a longitudinal randomized control trial with a sample size determined using power analysis to ensure adequate statistical power. Participants will be recruited from neurology clinics and ALS specialty centers and randomly assigned to either a MIND diet intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet. Participants will be followed for 12 months. The Harvard Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) will be used to measure dietary intake and administered at baseline, as well as every 3 months. To assess cognitive performance, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will be administered at baseline and every 3 months. This research will determine whether the MIND diet can serve as a key factor in maintaining cognitive health for those with ALS-FTD.

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