Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by recurrent attacks of fever, serositis and articular pain. Mutations in the MEFV gene causes inflammation that may trigger cognitive impairment in FMF patients. The objectives were to identify the effect of anti-inflammatory diet containing curcumin, flaxseed and vitamin D supplementation on the clinical presentation and cognitive functions of FMF patients. The study included 73 FMF patients, that followed in addition to their regular colchicine doses an anti-inflammatory diet (rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, low in saturated and unsaturated fats and carbohydrates, low in food additives, sugar, fast foods and processed foods). In addition, to dietary supplementation with vitamin D, curcumin and flax seeds. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed regarding clinical presentation, cognitive functions, CRP and subjective wellbeing. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of anti-inflammatory diet in the amelioration of the clinical presentation, cognitive functions and general wellbeing of FMF patients. We recommend that our findings would be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.
Keywords: Anti-inflammatory diet; Cognitive functions; Curcumin; Familial Mediterranean fever; Flax seeds; Vitamin D.