Effects of Mediterranean Diet on Subjective Cognitive Decline
Research Questions:

Due to the fact that most participants in past clinical trials on the Mediterranean diet were cognitively healthy individuals, and while the observed effects were significant, they were not particularly substantial, does the Mediterranean diet have similarly significant and more pronounced effects on both physical and cognitive functions in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD)?
What is the mechanism behind the effects of the Mediterranean diet on physical or/and cognitive function? Is it through vascular protection or improvements in brain structure/brain network function?

Research Objective:

Conduct a cross-over randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a three-month Mediterranean diet on the physical and cognitive functions of older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in the community. Utilize brain MRI and circulatory biomarkers measurements to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Subjective cognitive decline (SCD)-plus subjects, individuals must meet five criteria:  Subjective memory decline without impairment in other cognitive domains (MMSE > 26; MMSE > 14 for <6 years of education). Onset of subjective cognitive decline within the past 5 years. Age at the onset of subjective cognitive decline is >60 years. Concern and preoccupation with memory decline. Perceived functional decline relative to peers and meet one of three criteria: a. Caregiver perceives cognitive decline; b. Carries APOE ε4 genotype; c. Clinical evidence of preclinical Alzheimer's disease biomarkers.  Exclusion Criteria:  Exclude individuals who:  Cannot comply with or accept the dietary intervention (e.g., dietary restrictions, vegetarianism, lactose intolerance). Have walking speed ≤ 0.3 meters/second. Have significant medical conditions affecting physical and cognitive functions. Have chronic kidney disease (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73m2) or undergo dialysis. Experience poorly controlled cardiovascular diseases or malignant tumors. Have severe visual and hearing impairments preventing assessments. Have undergone hormone therapy in the preceding three months or are expected to during the trial. - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 60 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult