Protective Factors for Cognitive Health: Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle.
Get ready to learn about a fascinating study on cognitive health!
A groundbreaking research project is currently underway, investigating the combined impact of adopting a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline. The study, known as the "MedWalk" intervention, aims to explore the potential benefits of these two lifestyle choices when combined, offering a more comprehensive approach to brain health.
You may have heard that both the Mediterranean diet and regular walking have shown links to better brain health, but this research seeks to prove the combined advantage. The investigation is being led by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
The MedWalk intervention's primary objective focuses on observing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. Researchers are also keen on understanding how the intervention affects several other aspects, such as mood, quality of life, and health costs. Additionally, they are evaluating cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, like glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The intervention consists of dietary modifications along with a supervised walking regimen, supported by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive guidance and support during the first 6 months, with additional assistance remaining available for the subsequent 6 months. Researchers help participants understand the key differences between the Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet.
The trial is being conducted with 60-90-year-old participants from South Australia and Victoria, recruited from independent living retirement communities. Due to the pandemic, participants are also being recruited from the wider community.
Previous research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may result in fewer dementia cases, but researchers emphasize that maintaining a healthy diet is only one aspect of a comprehensive brain health approach.
Regular walking is also linked to slower cognitive decline, and studies have shown a dose-dependent relationship, indicating that more steps taken enhance the protective effect against dementia.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute explains that walking may foster brain health in various ways: increased blood flow, improved cognitive function, stress reduction, feelings of well-being, and exposure to social and natural elements, all of which may have additional brain benefits.
Although the MedWalk study's data-collection period will end by the end of 2023, we eagerly await the results to see the overall impact of this intriguing new approach to cognitive health!
- The "MedWalk" intervention, a groundbreaking study, investigates the combined impact of adopting a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline.
- The researchers leading this project, based in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, aim to explore the potential benefits of these lifestyle choices in a more comprehensive approach to brain health.
- The intervention consists of dietary modifications along with a supervised walking regimen, supported by psychosocial behavioral change techniques, with participants receiving guidance and support for 12 months.
- The study's primary objective focuses on observing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants, but it also seeks to understand the effects on mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
- Previous research suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may result in fewer dementia cases, but researchers emphasize that maintaining a healthy diet, along with regular exercise and a focus on mental health, is essential for comprehensive brain health.
- Walking, also linked to slower cognitive decline, may foster brain health in various ways, including increased blood flow, improved cognitive function, stress reduction, feelings of well-being, and exposure to social and natural elements, all of which may have additional brain benefits. The results of the MedWalk study, expected by the end of 2023, will reveal the overall impact of this intriguing new approach to cognitive health.
