Abstract
BACKGROUND: Risk of dementia doubles after stroke. There is limited information on reduction of risk, but diet is a significant modifiable risk factor for both vascular health and cognition. OBJECTIVE: Nutrition effects on brain Outcomes and Recovery In Stroke after Hospitalization (NOURISH; registration no. NCT04337255) is a phase III randomized controlled trial designed to test the effects of the MIND diet on changes in cognition following an acute ischemic stroke. STUDY METHODS: Eligible participants aged 55 and older were randomized to either the MIND diet intervention facilitated by credentialled nutritionists plus post-stroke care (Coach) or a post-stroke care intervention led by health educators (Self) for 24-36 months. Repeated assessments included anthropometric measurements, cognitive testing, blood and urinary biomarkers, and a variety of validated post-stroke outcome measures and follow-up visits for up to 3 years, with MRI scans conducted on a subset of participants at baseline and the study's end. Unique features of this study include: CONCLUSIONS: This study will evaluate the MIND diet intervention in preventing cognitive impairment in older adults after acute stroke. Findings will provide insights for the development of dietary guidelines for post-stroke care.