Maintaining Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Offers Potential Protection
A groundbreaking research project, named the "MedWalk Intervention Study," is currently investigating the combined effect of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline. This study seeks to establish whether following both a Mediterranean diet and a walking regimen can minimize the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
The MedWalk intervention is a combination of a Mediterranean diet with a supervised walking regimen, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive ongoing support for the initial six months, with additional help available for the remaining six months.
Previous research has shown a correlation between a Mediterranean diet and reduced dementia cases, and walking has been linked to slower cognitive decline. For instance, one study revealed that engaging in 10,000 steps a day could decrease the risk of dementia by 50%.
This ongoing study, led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, initially aimed to assess cognition over a two-year period. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in the study's timeline and focus, reducing the follow-up period to a single year. Despite these adversities, the researchers remain optimistic about the study's potential outcomes.
The primary focus of the study is to observe and measure the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, but it also aims to explore the intervention's impact on various aspects, such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Participants are participants aged between 60 and 90, hailing from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria. In response to the pandemic, recruitment has expanded to include individuals from larger communities as well.
Special attention is being given to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. These biomarkers are crucial in understanding the underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline and dementia.
Emphasizing the role of diet as a crucial aspect of brain health and dementia prevention, Conner Middelmann, a nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, highlighted that the Mediterranean diet, featuring antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and less processed grains and sugars, may significantly contribute to brain health.
Walking, too, has shown promising results for promoting cognitive health, by potentially increasing brain blood flow, improving brain activity, and reducing stress levels. Combining the benefits of both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking may yield even more significant cognitive benefits. Keep a close eye on future updates from this ongoing study to learn more about the potential combined effects of these two proven lifestyle practices on cognitive health.
- The MedWalk Intervention Study, which examines the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline, is investigating if following both a Mediterranean diet and a walking regimen can minimize the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
- Participants in the MedWalk intervention, aged between 60 and 90, are being recruited from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, with recruitment expanding to include individuals from larger communities due to the pandemic.
- The research project, led by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, aims to assess the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, but also explores the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various other health-and-wellness aspects.
- Biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress, are being closely monitored to understand the underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline and dementia.
- Nutrition plays a significant role in brain health and dementia prevention, and Conner Middelmann, a Mediterranean diet expert, emphasizes that the Mediterranean diet's antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, less processed grains, and sugars may contribute significantly to brain health.
- Walking has shown promising outcomes for promoting cognitive health, potentially increasing brain blood flow, brain activity, and reducing stress levels. Thus, the combined benefits of both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking could yield even more significant cognitive benefits, making it crucial to follow the progress of the MedWalk Intervention Study to learn more about their potential combined effects on cognitive health.
