Maintaining Mental Acuity: Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle May OfferProtection
Let's Dive into the MedWalk Study: Uncovering the Combined Power of Diet and Exercise on Brain Health
Wanna know if combining the Mediterranean diet with a regular walking routine could help keep dementia and cognitive decline at bay? Check out the MedWalk intervention, a fascinating study coming out of Australia, New Zealand, and the UK!
This badass research project, which has been delayed a bit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is examining whether following the MedWalk lifestyle can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, like Alzheimer's. MedWalk stands for a combination of the Mediterranean diet and a walking routine.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the researchers have published updates on their processes and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Since this study was initially designed to span over two years, the pandemic necessitated some modifications, like cutting down the follow-up period to a year and broadening the recruitment scope.
The primary outcome the researchers are keeping an eye on is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. But they're also curious about how this lifestyle change influences aspects like mood, quality of life, and even total health costs. Plus, they're taking a deep dive into cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
The study group consists of 60- to 90-year-old individuals residing in South Australia and Victoria. Recruitment happened at independent living retirement communities, but due to the pandemic, they also brought on participants from the wider community.
Several biomarkers related to cognitive decline are being closely monitored, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrient balance, and oxidative stress.
The MedWalk group will follow a modified Mediterranean diet and participate in a supervised walking program, complete with encouraging psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants will enjoy hands-on support during the first six months, with continued help available for the following six months to keep them on track. To help participants understand the concept, the researchers explain the key dietary differences between the Mediterranean diet and an average Aussie diet.
They even offer free extra-virgin olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, and other foods to aid the participants in their journey. After an assessment of their baseline aerobic fitness, the MedWalkers will engage in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann (who's not involved in the current study), pointed out that previous research shows following a Mediterranean diet is associated with fewer cases of dementia. Studies from 2021, 2022, and 2023 have also found an association between a Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Middelmann warns us not to forget that numerous factors can influence dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, so maintaining a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet is merely one component of a well-rounded approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Walking regularly has also been linked to slower cognitive decline, thanks to its impact on brain blood flow, cognitive function, stress reduction, feelings of well-being, and the possibility of incorporating social elements and exposure to nature. This study aims to confirm that these benefits can be magnified when combined with the Mediterranean diet. Keep your eyes peeled for the results of this study towards the end of 2023!
Stay tuned, brainiacs! Stay educated, stay healthy, and remember: A walk in the park + a delicious Mediterranean meal just might be the ticket to cognitive super powers! 🧠💪🏽
- The MedWalk study, a combination of the Mediterranean diet and a walking routine, aims to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
- Researchers are keeping an eye on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, but they're also interested in how this lifestyle change influences mood, quality of life, and total health costs.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann suggests that following a Mediterranean diet is associated with fewer cases of dementia, and studies have found an association between this diet and lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Walking regularly has been linked to slower cognitive decline, and this study aims to confirm that these benefits can be magnified when combined with the Mediterranean diet.
- Participants in the MedWalk study will follow a modified Mediterranean diet and engage in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
- To prevent dementia, Middelmann advises maintaining a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet as one component of a well-rounded approach to brain health, which also includes fitness and exercise, mental health, and proper nutrition.
