Browsing by Person "Stephan, Blossom"

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Feasibility and acceptability of a dietary intervention study to reduce salt intake and increase high-nitrate vegetable consumption among middle-aged and older Malaysian adults with elevated blood pressure: a study protocol
(BMJ Publishing Group, 2020-08-27) McGrattan, Andrea; Mohan, Devi; Chua, Pei Wei; Hussin, Azizah Mat; Soh, Yee Chang; Alawad, Mawada; Kassim, Zaid bin; Ghazali, Ahmad Nizal Mohd; Stephan, Blossom; Allotey, Pascale; Reidpath, Daniel; Robinson, Louise; Siervo, Mario
Introduction Global population ageing is one of the key factors linked to the projected rise of dementia incidence. Hence, there is a clear need to identify strategies to overcome this expected health burden and have a meaningful impact on populations’ health worldwide. Current evidence supports the role of modifiable dietary and lifestyle risk factors in reducing the risk of dementia. In South-East Asia, changes in eating and lifestyle patterns under the influence of westernised habits have resulted in significant increases in the prevalence of metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Low vegetable consumption and high sodium intake have been identified as key contributors to the increased prevalence of NCDs in these countries. Therefore, nutritional and lifestyle strategies targeting these dietary risk factors are warranted. The overall objective of this randomised feasibility trial is to demonstrate the acceptability of a dietary intervention to increase the consumption of high-nitrate green leafy vegetables and reduce salt intake over 6 months among Malaysian adults with raised blood pressure. Methods and analysis Primary outcomes focus on feasibility measures of recruitment, retention, implementation and acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes will include blood pressure, cognitive function, body composition and physical function (including muscle strength and gait speed). Adherence to the dietary intervention will be assessed through collection of biological samples, 24-hour recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire. A subgroup of participants will also complete postintervention focus groups to further explore the feasibility considerations of executing a larger trial, the ability of these individuals to make dietary changes and the barriers and facilitators associated with implementing these changes.
Nutritional interventions for the prevention of cognitive impairment and dementia in developing economies in East-Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
(Taylor & Francis, 2020-12-18) McGrattan, Andrea; van Aller, Carla; Narytnyk, Alla; Reidpath, Daniel; Keage, Hannah; Mohan, Devi; Su, Tin Tin; Stephan, Blossom; Robinson, Louise; Siervo, Mario
Dementia represents a key impending global health challenge. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence on nutritional interventions for the prevention of dementia in developing economies in East-Asia. Four comprehensive databases were searched from inception until January 2020: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus. The search was restricted to randomized controlled trials [RCTs] in adult humans, assessing the effect of nutritional interventions on global and domain specific cognitive performance and dementia risk. Meta-analysis of data was conducted for each domain and sub-categorized according to the type of nutritional intervention. Twenty-four RCTs were included, of which, fifteen studies showed significant beneficial effects on cognition. Eighteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Significant beneficial effects were found for essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA) and micronutrient supplementation on specific cognitive domains including attention and orientation, perception, verbal functions and language skills. The effect size of the interventions appeared to be greater in older subjects with cognitive impairment. Supplementation with B-vitamins and essential fatty acids may represent promising strategies to minimize age-related cognitive decline in Asian populations. Large, high-quality, long-term trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Nutritional Interventions for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Developing Economies of East Asia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
(Cambridge University Press, 2020-06-10) McGrattan, Andrea; van Aller, Carla; Narytnyk, Alla; Reidpath, Daniel; Allotey, Pascale; Mohan, Devi; Stephan, Blossom; Robinson, Louise; Siervo, Mario