Association of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption with Dementia Risk Among Older Adults: A Case Study of Nong Bunmak District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province
Keywords:
Dementia, Older adults, Consumption, Fruits and vegetables, NutritionAbstract
Dementia is a significant public health concern with a rising prevalence among the elderly. Nutritional health promotion, particularly through the consumption of fruits and vegetables, may play a role in delaying cognitive decline. However, research on this association among Thai older adults remains limited, particularly considering variations in dietary behaviors and the types of fruits and vegetables consumed in different local contexts. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of dementia among older adults in Nong Bun Mak District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The study included 322 participants aged 60 years and older, selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire from October 2023 to January 2024. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum values, were used to describe the data. Inferential statistics were analyzed using multiple logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs).
The findings revealed that most participants consumed inadequate amounts of vegetables and fruits, with 36.0% and 48.1% respectively. The prevalence of dementia risk was 24.5%. Participants with inadequate vegetable intake had a 4.85-fold increased risk of dementia (AOR=4.85, 95%CI: 2.56–9.19, p<.001), while those with inadequate fruit intake had a 2.14-fold increased risk (AOR=2.14, 95%CI: 1.11–4.12, p=.024) compared to those with adequate intake. These findings suggest that adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of dementia among older adults. Therefore, promoting appropriate dietary behaviors is an essential strategy for preventing dementia in this population.
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