Effects of non-denatured whey protein supplementation combined with a Mediterranean-type diet on cognitive function and muscle health in sarcopenic older adults with cognitive impairment: a retrospective observational study.

Authors

Lombardi Marta, Di Lauro Mariastella, Nasti Gilda, Caruso Marco, Petito Martina, Oliviero Nunzio, Di Martino Annabella, Piazza Roberto, Mangrella Mario, Guida Bruna, Chiurazzi Martina

Published in

Frontiers in nutrition. Volume 13. Pages 1859189. Epub Jul 16, 2026.

Abstract

Population ageing has led to a rise in neurodegenerative disorders, driven by metabolic, inflammatory, and nutritional factors. The Mediterranean diet and adequate protein intake may help protect cognitive function and support muscle health. Sarcopenia is strongly associated with cognitive decline through the muscle-brain axis. This study evaluates the combined effects of a Mediterranean-type diet and whey proteins on cognition, body composition, and muscle strength in sarcopenic older adults.
A total of sixty-eight older adults with sarcopenia and cognitive impairment were retrospectively enrolled and divided according to adherence to the nutritional intervention. Group A (n = 38) followed both a Mediterranean-type diet and whey protein supplementation, while Group B (n = 30) followed the diet alone and served as controls. Clinical, anthropometric, and body composition parameters were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months.
At 6 months, Group A was associated with significant improvements in body composition and functional outcomes compared with baseline. In particular, Body Cell Mass (BCM) increased, together with an improvement in right-hand grip strength, indicating enhanced muscle quality and strength. Muscle mass also increased, supporting better physical performance, as reflected by a reduction in perceived frailty (SARC-F score). Cognitive outcomes improved in both groups, with significant increases in MMSE scores, while executive function also improved in the intervention group, as shown by better TMT-A and TMT-B performance.
A Mediterranean-type diet combined with whey protein supplementation was associated with improvements in both muscle and cognitive function in sarcopenic older adults; however, due to the observational nature of the study, causal relationships cannot be established. These findings align with evidence on the benefits of protein intake for musculoskeletal health. Potential mechanisms include reduced inflammation and muscle-brain communication via myokines. The lack of resistance training may have limited long-term effects. Overall, results support combined nutritional strategies to improve ageing outcomes.

PMID:
42534743
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 31 Jul 2026.

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