Exploring the Role of The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet on Psychological Disorders in Adults: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Psychological disorders are a major global health concern, affecting millions of adults worldwide. The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet has emerged as a potential dietary approach for reducing the risk of psychological disorders. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the existing evidence on the association between MIND diet adherence and psychological disorders among adults. This review followed the Arksey and O’Malley (2005)’s framework and the PRISMA-ScR 2020 guidelines. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library) were searched. Of 236 records identified, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria (eight cross-sectional, five cohort, one case-control, and three randomized controlled trials (RCTs)). Most studies were conducted in Asia, particularly Iran, China and Pakistan. Three cross-sectional studies reported higher MIND diet adherence was associated with lower depression and anxiety, while one study demonstrated significant reductions in depression, anxiety and stress. However, other studies found no significant association with stress. Cohort study findings were inconsistent, with most reporting weak or non-significant associations, although two studies observed reduced depressive symptoms with higher MIND diet adherence. Two RCTs found no significant effects on psychological outcomes, whereas one reported significant improvements in depression and anxiety. The case-control study demonstrated an inverse association between MIND diet adherence and anxiety disorders. Although current evidence suggests that MIND diet adherence may improve psychological health, findings remain inconsistent across study designs. Further high-quality longitudinal studies and well-designed RCTs are needed to establish its effectiveness in preventing and managing psychological disorders in adults