Brain Healthy Soul Food Diet Intervention Among Older African Americans

Feasibility will be assessed by retention rate. This will be calculated as the percentage of participants who complete all aspects of the intervention including cooking classes and coach directed dietary call support.

Total fat mass was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure total fat mass. Assessments were conducted at baseline and again at the 12-week follow-up. The values reported below reflect the 12-week follow-up, with changes calculated from baseline to 12 weeks.

Android fat mass was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure android fat mass. Assessments were conducted at baseline and again at the 12-week follow-up. The values reported below reflect the 12-week follow-up, with changes calculated from baseline to 12 weeks.

Waist circumference was measured using a standard tape measure at baseline and 12 weeks. Data reported reflect 12-week follow-up values for participants who completed both time points.

Body mass index was calculated using measured height and weight at baseline and 12 weeks. The value below reflects BMI at the 12-week follow-up for participants who completed both assessments.

Cardiovascular risk profile will be measured by cholesterol. Cholesterol will be measured using the PTS Diagnostics Cardiocheck Plus Analyzer Cholesterol and Glucose Check.

Cardiovascular risk profile will be measured by systolic blood pressure. Blood pressure will be measured using the Omron 5 series blood pressure monitor. C

Skin carotenoid levels were assessed using the Veggie Meter®, which uses reflection spectroscopy to provide an objective measure of carotenoid-rich fruit and vegetable intake. Scores typically range from 0 to 800. Higher scores indicate higher carotenoid levels and greater intake of fruits and vegetables. Changes were evaluated from baseline to 12 weeks.

Self-reported fruit and vegetable intake was assessed using the NHANES Dietary Screener Questionnaire (DSQ). The DSQ estimates average daily intake in cups per day, based on participant-reported consumption over the past 30 days. There is no fixed score range; higher estimated intake reflects greater fruit and vegetable consumption and better nutritional health. Changes were assessed from baseline to 12 weeks.

Cognitive function was assessed using the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. The following assessments were administered to evaluate specific cognitive domains: NIH Toolbox List Sorting Working Memory Test (working memory), Picture Vocabulary Test (language), Oral Reading Recognition Test (reading), Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (processing speed), and Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (executive function). Each test yields a fully normed T-score ranging from 0 to 200, with a normative mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Higher scores reflect better cognitive performance. This outcome specifically focuses on changes in executive function, as measured by the Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test. Scores were collected at two time points: baseline and 12 weeks. The value reported in the data table reflects the mean score at 12 weeks.

Feasibility was planned to be assessed by tracking reasons for refusal to participate during the recruitment phase. Staff aimed to document participant-reported reasons for non-enrollment during initial outreach and screening efforts, however staff did not document participant-reported reasons for non-enrollment.

Satisfaction with the MIND+SOUL diet was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for overall program satisfaction. The Visual Analog Scale is a single-item self-report tool ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates the least amount of satisfaction and 10 indicates the highest level of satisfaction. Higher scores represent better outcomes, meaning greater satisfaction with the intervention.

Acceptability of the MIND+SOUL intervention was assessed using a REDCap-administered online survey developed to evaluate participant perceptions across five domains: affective attitude, burden, ethicality, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy. The survey includes 20 items, each scored on a 5-point Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The total score ranges from 20 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability of the intervention. Scores were collected at the 12-week follow-up.