Date of Conferral

8-6-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Claire Robb

Abstract

Cognitive decline is a public health concern since people are living longer, but little is known regarding how to prevent the progression of this condition; furthermore, current treatment options are not always effective after diagnosis. Previous research indicated obesity was associated with diminishing cognitive health, but most studies were conducted on individuals over the age of 65. The purpose of the study was to determine if there is a statistical correlation between cognitive decline and body mass index (BMI) among those between the ages of 40 and 64 years. Data from the 2015-2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging dataset for Louisiana citizens were used. Louisiana was chosen due to high rates of obesity and lack of research among this population. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model served as the conceptual framework. Logistic regression was used to test the relationship between BMI and cognitive decline while controlling for race, gender, income, and education level. No statical relationship was found between cognitive decline and BMI nor cognitive decline and daily fruit intake. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between cognitive decline and daily vegetable intake. Implications for positive social change include emphasizing increased vegetable intake as this could improve cognitive disease outcomes and perhaps prevent or mitigate actual cognitive decline later in life.

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