Optimized Tailored Interventions in Metabolic and Lifestyle Outcomes (OPTIMAL)

Optimized Tailored Interventions in Metabolic and Lifestyle Outcomes: Examining the Effects of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay(MIND) on Cognitive Performance, Metabolic Health and Lifestyle Outcomes Using Advanced Machine Learning Strategies

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if increasing adherence to a Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet pattern improves brain and heart health relative to a healthy control diet in middle-aged adults. Our research team will evaluate three different groups: the first group will be chosen using a predictive analytics model that predicts who will benefit most from the MIND diet, the second group will follow the MIND diet without being pre-selected, and the third group will eat a standard healthy diet to serve as a comparison.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does the MIND diet improve cognitive performance and heart health relative to a control diet? How does the health impact of the MIND diet in participants pre-identified through predictive analytics compare to those without such pre-selection? Which of the three groups - predictive analytics selected MIND diet group, standard MIND diet group, or healthy control - demonstrate the most significant improvements in cognitive and cardiovascular health over the course of the trial?

Participants will:

Consume one meal that follows the MIND diet or a control meal every day for 3 months. Visit the lab before and after the 3 months of meals for tests. Keep a record of the food they eat during the study.

The purpose of this study is to understand how a healthy diet is related to thinking ability and heart health. Participants will be asked to consume a microwaveable study meal or prepackaged smoothie every day for 12 weeks. These meals will be delivered to participant homes using Daily Harvest meal delivery service. The study meals and smoothies will follow either a dietary pattern thought to improve brain and heart health (MIND), or a control diet, and will include foods commonly found in grocery stores. Participants will not know which diet they are assigned to (active or control). Participants will also be asked to follow simple dietary guidance on a healthy diet in addition to the meals provided. Participants will complete a series of online forms or surveys. Additionally, participants will come to 4 in-person laboratory visits to complete several computer-based tests of memory and attention while wearing an EEG cap. Participants will also be asked to complete an eye test, a heart rate and blood pressure assessment, a bone and body scan called DXA, and a blood draw at the beginning of the study and again at the end of the 12-week diet period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 45-64 years of age
• 20/20 or corrected vision
• No food allergies or intolerances
• Not pregnant, lactating, or have given birth in the past 12 months
• Do not smoke, use tobacco, or abuse drugs
• Absence of liver or gastrointestinal diseases (i.e., primary biliary cirrhosis or gallbladder disease, chronic constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, stomach or duodenal ulcers), hepatitis, HIV, and cancer
• Not currently taking oral hypoglycemic agents, or insulin
• No history of malabsorptive or bariatric surgery
• Cognitively intact with no prior diagnosis of neurological disease (i.e., mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and/or Asperger's syndrome)
• Able to consume the study meals
• Not enrolled in another dietary, exercise, or medication study during the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-consent of participant
• Above 64 or below 45 years of age
• Vision not 20/20 or corrected
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Pregnant, lactating, or have given birth in the past 12 months
• Smoke, use tobacco, or abuse drugs
• Prior diagnosis of liver or gastrointestinal disease (i.e., primary biliary cirrhosis or gallbladder disease, chronic constipation, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, stomach or duodenal ulcers), hepatitis, HIV, or cancer
• Currently taking oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin
• History of malabsorptive or bariatric surgery
• Cognitively impaired and/or prior diagnosis of neurological disease (i.e., mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and/or Asperger's syndrome)
• Unable to consume the study meals
• Concurrent enrollment in another dietary, exercise, or medication study