Identification of Metabolite Biomarkers Associated With Dietary Patterns in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia From Yucatan

Abstract

Many countries have experienced a dietary transition marked by an increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, which is associated with poorer cognitive function. Our research group has previously identified the dietary patterns of patients with MCI and dementia, showing a significant nutritional deficiency, as the intake of vegetables, fruits, and proteins was inadequate. The identification of early biomarkers, such as metabolites associated with dietary patterns, in individuals with MCI and dementia in Mexico has not yet been explored. These metabolites could provide insights into the nutritional response or changes in individuals with these conditions and may serve as targets for early intervention. To address this gap, the aim of this study was to investigate the metabolite profiles of older adults, comparing those with neurocognitive impairments (cases) to those without (controls), based on their dietary patterns. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 39 patients as controls and 34 individuals as cases (MCI and dementia). Concentrations of serum acylcarnitines, free carnitine, and amino acids were measured using the approach of targeted metabolomics by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry and evaluated through partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Six metabolites “Ornithine, C18OH, Alanine, C8, C10, and C5” were identified for individuals with MCI and dementia. Levels of ornithine were correlated to the consumption of pastries and cookies (rs = 0.33, p = 0.028). Three metabolites “valine, tyrosine, and methionine” were identified in the control group. Higher levels of methionine were positively correlated with vegetables intake (rs = 0.298, p = 0.003). We found that certain metabolites associated with dietary patterns of MCI and dementia subjects from Yucatan, Mexico may influence cognitive status.