Effects of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern on mental wellbeing and cognition

Esgunoglu, Latife (2025) Effects of a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern on mental wellbeing and cognition. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Mood and anxiety disorders, cognitive decline and incident dementia are significant and growing public health concerns. Long-term adherence to a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) has been associated with enhanced mood and cognition in observational studies. Yet, the shorter-term effects of a MDP on brain health are poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of the available literature from randomised controlled trials (RCT), to provide preliminary evidence on the potential of a MDP to improve attention, alertness and contentment in 10 days, to define research gaps and inform the focus of this research project. Accordingly, we designed a crossover RCT, named MediMood, to assess the postprandial and 5-day effects of a MDP on mood (primary outcome), cognition, cerebral blood flow, sleep (which is an important mediator of mental health) and blood biomarkers in adults with existing mental health complaints (n=25). After 5 days, a MDP reduced total mood disturbance, tension, depression, fatigue, confusion, increased alertness and vigour, improved motor function variability, reduced inflammation and increased serum cortisol levels relative to a Western diet, with enhanced insulin sensitivity observed postprandially following a MDP lunch. Using longitudinal data from C-19 Wellbeing Tracker study, we examined up to 5-day, bidirectional lagged relationships between fruit, vegetable, sugar intake and overall diet quality and happiness, low mood, stress and sleep quality in a cohort (n=674). Consistent associations were observed between diet quality and sleep quality lasting for 5 days. This PhD research offers a novel contribution to the literature on the efficacy of a MDP to improve mental health in the short-term, in particular in those with existing mental health disorders. Future studies are required to confirm and refine the initial evidence we provide.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Jennifer Whitaker
Date Deposited:	04 Apr 2025 10:56
Last Modified:	04 Apr 2025 10:56
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/98934
DOI:

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