European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety

Dementia is an emerging public health concern, with increasing evidence linking its development to midlife lifestyle factors, particularly dietary patterns. This study assessed dietary patterns and the prevalence of probable dementia among middle-aged men (40-65years) in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 418 respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire and a 10-word recall test to assess cognitive function. Data were analyzed using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The majority of respondents were aged 50–59 years (57.9%) and predominantly urban residents (86.6%). Most participants reported irregular dietary patterns, with 78.2% skipping meals and a high prevalence of carbohydrate-rich diets. The prevalence of probable dementia was 15.6% within the study population. Low fruit and vegetable intake was significantly associated with higher prevalence of dementia (χ² = 28.802, p < 0.001). High carbohydrate (p = 0.001) and high protein diets (p = 0.011) were also significantly associated with dementia, while high unhealthy food intake showed no significant association (p = 0.539). Additionally, several lifestyle factors, including physical inactivity (p = 0.044), social isolation (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), and low mental stimulation (p = 0.012), were significantly associated with dementia. The study demonstrates that dietary patterns and modifiable lifestyle factors are significantly associated with dementia among middle-aged men.