beneficial brain function: Adopting a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity could potentially ward off cognitive decline.
A Combined Approach to Dementia Prevention: The MedWalk Intervention Study
Researchers are currently investigating the potential benefits of a unique approach to dementia prevention, deemed the "MedWalk intervention." This strategy combines the implementation of a Mediterranean diet with regular walking, aiming to determine its impact on cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia.
While both components--the Mediterranean diet and regular walking--have been associated with improved brain health, this study is designed to explore their synergistic effects. The study is being carried out by a collaboration of researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and it is ongoing, having briefly paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The authors have shared the data related to their processes and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Initially conceived to follow participants for a 2-year period, the study has been modified due to the pandemic-related constraints, with the follow-up period reduced to one year. The research is still underway, and the scientists have expanded their recruitment to include a wider sample of participants.
The primary focus of the study is the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. In addition, investigators hope to observe the impact of the MedWalk intervention on various aspects, including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The participants in this study are individuals aged 60 to 90, residing in the Australian states of South Australia and Victoria. Recruitment includes those from independent living retirement communities, as well as the wider community, due to the pandemic's influence.
Special attention is paid to biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. Participants are divided into two groups: a MedWalk intervention group and a control group that maintains their usual diet and activity level.
The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modification with a supervised walking regimen and psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first 6 months, with additional assistance available for the following 6 months to help maintain adherence to the intervention.
Researchers offer guidance on the differences between a Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet to help participants better understand this lifestyle choice. For example, they provide participants with extra-virgin olive oil, a key element in the Mediterranean diet, as well as other suitable foods.
After an assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the rest of the test year.
Previous research suggests that adhering to the Mediterranean diet may be linked to fewer cases of dementia. Such findings stem from various studies, including those published in 2011 and 2023, which associated the Mediterranean diet with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia.
However, it is essential to consider multiple factors when evaluating dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Thus, following a Mediterranean diet can be seen as just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Regular walking is also linked to cognitive benefits. A study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and dementia risk reduction, with taking 10,000 steps per day decreasing the risk by 50%. Other research has demonstrated a connection between walking speed and dementia and found that aerobic exercise like walking can improve cognitive functioning and lower the risk of cognitive decline.
The study's completion is scheduled for the end of 2023.
- The MedWalk intervention combines the Mediterranean diet with regular walking, an approach aimed at determining its impact on cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia.
- The primary focus of the MedWalk Intervention Study is the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants.
- Special attention is paid to biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
- Researchers offer guidance on the differences between the Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet to help participants better understand this lifestyle choice.
- The study is still underway, and the scientists have expanded their recruitment to include a wider sample of participants, aged 60 to 90, residing in the Australian states of South Australia and Victoria.
- Previous research suggests that adhering to the Mediterranean diet may be linked to fewer cases of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and regular walking is also linked to cognitive benefits, with taking 10,000 steps per day decreasing the risk by 50%.
