Preserving Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and an Active Lifestyle as Preventive Measures
Researchers are on a mission to discover if pairing a "MedWalk" intervention could lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. "MedWalk" combines a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, particularly walking.
Previous research points to brain health improvements from both the Mediterranean diet and walking, and this investigation seeks to confirm the benefits of this combined approach.
The study – led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom – began before the COVID-19 pandemic but was delayed. The scientists shared details of their processes and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Originally created to track cognitive changes over 2 years, the research was modified due to the pandemic, shortening the follow-up period to a single year. Researchers are optimistic the modified study will yield robust findings.
The researchers' main focus is the 12-month changes in visual memory and learning for the participants. They're also eager to observe the effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The participants are 60-to-90-year-olds living in South Australia and Victoria. They hail from independent living retirement communities, with a few recruited from the larger community due to the pandemic.
Participants are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their normal diet and activity levels. The intervention involves diet modification with supervised walking, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques, and support throughout the study.
To help participants understand the Mediterranean diet, researchers provide guidance on the key distinctions between it and a typical Australian diet. Perks include access to extra-virgin olive oil and other Mediterranean-friendly foods, ensuring the participants get it right.
After a baseline aerobic fitness assessment, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remaining half of the test year.
Studies suggest following a Mediterranean diet may reduce dementia cases. Others link the diet to lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common dementia form. However, it's essential to remember that various factors can affect dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. A healthy diet is just one facet of comprehensive brain health and dementia prevention strategies.
The Mediterranean diet may contribute to brain health in various ways, including its rich antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids (specifically docosahexaenoic acid or DHA), fiber, reduced processed grains and sugars, and promotion of balanced gut microbiomes. Regular eating with family and friends and exercise are other aspects linked to brain health in Mediterranean culture.
Regular walking is associated with slower cognitive decline. A study found a relationship between the number of steps and dementia risk: taking 10,000 steps a day reduced the risk by 50%. Other research shows walking boosts brain blood flow, aids brain activity, and reduces stress while enhancing feelings of well-being.
By the end of 2023, the data-collection period for the study will be completed. Stay tuned for the results!
- The researchers believe that combining a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, particularly walking, through a MedWalk intervention could potentially lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
- Past research has pointed to brain health improvements from both the Mediterranean diet and walking, and this study aims to confirm the benefits of this combined approach.
- The study, led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, focused on the 12-month changes in visual memory and learning for participants aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria.4.In the MedWalk intervention group, participants engaged in supervised walking, with the added support of diet modification, psychosocial behavioral change techniques, and guidance on the key distinctions between the Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet.
- Not only could following a Mediterranean diet reduce dementia cases, but it may also contribute to brain health in several ways, such as its rich antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, balanced gut microbiomes, and promotion of regular eating with family and friends.
- Regular walking is posited to be associated with slower cognitive decline and has been linked to reduced dementia risk, improved brain blood flow, increased brain activity, reduced stress, and enhanced feelings of well-being.
