Mental Sharpness: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Could Offer Protection
Australian, New Zealand, and UK researchers are investigating the potential benefits of a combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking for cognitive health among older adults. The MedWalk intervention, as the study calls it, has newly been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Originally designed to be a two-year assessment of cognitive health, the study has been modified to a one-year follow-up due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers are investigating a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants as the primary outcome, while also observing the intervention's effects on mood, quality of life, and other health factors.
The research participants consist of 60-to-90-year-old individuals living in South Australia and Victoria, who were recruited from independent living retirement communities and the larger community due to the pandemic's impacts.
Special attention is being paid to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one following the MedWalk intervention and one maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
The MedWalk intervention includes dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, along with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Intensive support is provided for the first six months, with continued assistance for the following six months to help maintain the participants' progress.
Researchers are providing instruction to help participants understand the Mediterranean diet, such as free extra-virgin olive oil and other suitable foods, as the diet emphasizes antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and fresh produce while limiting processed sugar and grains.
Previous studies suggest a link between consuming a Mediterranean diet and lower rates of dementia risk, with evidence supporting its association with improved brain health and reduced cognitive decline. Similarly, a regular walking routine has been associated with better cognitive outcomes due to increased cerebral blood flow, improved cognitive function, and potential social and emotional benefits.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann commented on the study, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive brain health strategies that include maintaining a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, along with regular exercise and proper managing of other lifestyle factors, as many elements contribute to dementia risk.
Once the data collection period concludes at the end of 2023, the team will analyze the findings to determine the combined effects of the Mediterranean diet and walking on cognitive health and dementia risk.
- The researchers are investigating the potential benefits of a combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking for cognitive health among older adults, a study they call MedWalk, recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
- The research participants, aged 60 to 90, were recruited from independent living retirement communities and the larger community in South Australia and Victoria, due to the pandemic's impacts.
- Special attention is being paid to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress in this study.
- The MedWalk intervention includes dietary modifications, a supervised walking regimen, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques, with intensive support provided for the first six months, followed by continued assistance for the following six months.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann commented on the study, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive brain health strategies that include maintaining a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, along with regular exercise and proper management of other lifestyle factors, as many elements contribute to dementia risk.
- Once the data collection period concludes at the end of 2023, the team will analyze the findings to determine the combined effects of the Mediterranean diet and walking on cognitive health and dementia risk.
