Correlating Dietary Patterns and Cognitive Function in Adults: A Study from Iraq
Background and aims: Cognitive function is a multifaceted construct shaped by intrinsic and lifestyle-related factors. Emerging research highlights diet, sleep, and physical activity as critical determinants of cognitive health across the lifespan. However, evidence for physical activity remains mixed, with some studies reporting null associations depending on population and methodology. Acknowledging such null findings is essential for a balanced interpretation of lifestyle-cognition relationships. Limited data exist on young adult populations in Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, this study was designed as an exploratory, hypothesis-generating investigation examining associations between dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and self-reported cognitive function among adults. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 172 adults aged ≥18 years using a structured questionnaire to assess demographics, dietary behaviors, and lifestyle factors. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-20), a validated self-reported measure of cognitive difficulties. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p <0.05. Results: The majority of participants (94.2%) exhibited good cognitive performance according to PDQ-20. Higher fast-food consumption was significantly associated with elevated PDQ-20 scores (p = 0.017), indicating poorer cognition. More frequent protein intake (p = 0.019) and optimal sleep duration (7-8 hours) (p = 0.022) were associated with better cognitive outcomes. Chronic medical conditions, especially depression and cardiovascular disease, were strongly associated with higher PDQ-20 scores (p = 0.002). No significant associations were observed with physical activity, water intake, smoking status, alcohol consumption, or adherence to specific dietary regimens. Conclusion: While most participants demonstrated good cognitive performance, the observed associations between dietary patterns, sleep duration, and cognitive function underscore the potential influence of modifiable behaviors on brain health. These findings should be considered exploratory, and further studies with larger, more representative samples are warranted to confirm and extend these results.