LDL-cholesterol was measured from fasting serum samples using standard enzymatic colorimetric methods.

Total cholesterol was measured using routine biochemical analysis in a certified laboratory.

Fasting blood glucose was measured using standard laboratory techniques during routine outpatient visits.

Abdominal obesity index (VAI): VAI has been used to assess abdominal obesity. VAI (Men) = [Waist circumference (cm) / (36.58 + (1.88 × BMI)] × (triglycerides / 1.03) × (1.31 / HDL-C) , VAI (Women) = [Waist circumference (cm) / (36.58 + (1.88 × BMI)] × (triglycerides / 0.81) × (1.52 / HDL-C)

Obtained using a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (Tanita Innerscan BC 401, Japan).

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (Tanita Innerscan BC 401, Japan) was used.

bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (Tanita Innerscan BC 401, Japan).

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device (Tanita Innerscan BC 401, Japan).

Participants were asked about the foods they consumed in the past month from seven groups, including five basic food groups (meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, bread and grains, vegetables and fruits, sugars and fats), beverages, and fast food. Participants were asked how often and in what quantities they consumed these foods using eight options: "every meal," "every day," "5-6 days a week," "3-4 days a week," "1-2 days a week," "once every 15 days," "once a month," and "never." In evaluating food consumption records, responses regarding food consumption frequency were calculated using food consumption frequency. The amounts of food and beverages consumed were multiplied by "3" for "every meal," '1' for "every day," "0.7855" for "5-6 times a week," "0.498" for "3-4 times a week," "0.2145" for "1-2 times a week," "0.067" for "once every 15 days," and "0.033" for "once a month" to obtain the daily average amounts.

A single-day food consumption record was obtained using the 24-hour recall method to determine participants' food consumption patterns. The Food and Nutrition Photo Catalog was used to estimate portions to ensure that the amounts of food consumed were assessed accurately and reliably. Based on these records, daily energy and nutrient intakes were calculated using the Nutrition Information System (BEBİS) software, based on the type and amount of food consumed by individuals in the last 24 hours.

Individuals' DASH diet compliance scores were calculated based on their food consumption frequency after their energy requirements were calculated. The highest possible score on the DASH diet compliance scale is 8.0. A score of 4.5 or above is considered 'high compliance', while a score below 4.5 is considered 'low compliance'.

The Mediterranean Diet Scale was used to determine individuals' adherence to the Mediterranean diet. This scale consists of a total of 14 questions, 2 of which relate to food consumption habits and 12 of which relate to food consumption frequency. Each question is scored as either 0 or 1 point. The scale's scoring range is set at 0-14 points.

It includes a total of 15 different food groups, consisting of ten groups that protect brain health and five groups that harm brain health. Individuals' food consumption records and frequency of food consumption were examined, and the consumption amounts of foods belonging to these 15 groups were divided into portions and evaluated according to the scoring system. This scale is scored from 0 to 15, and there is no cutoff point for determining compliance with the MIND diet.