Maintaining Cognitive Wellness: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Could Offer Protection
A groundbreaking study, led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is investigating the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline among older adults.
The intervention, dubbed "MedWalk," entails following a Mediterranean-style diet paired with a regimented walking program. Previous research has linked both lifestyle factors separately to improved brain health, and this study aims to assess their combined efficacy.
Originally designed to run for two years, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a reduction in the follow-up period to a single year. Nevertheless, the scientists continue to recruit participants from South Australia and Victoria, expanding the sample size.
The study's primary focus is on the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. The research team is also examining the intervention's effect on various areas, including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Participants were randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity levels. The intervention requires participants to modify their diet and adhere to a supervised walking regimen, supported by psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, has noted that previous studies suggest a link between following this diet and decreased dementia cases. Other research has found an association between a Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
However, Middelmann cautioned that many factors can influence dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. "Maintaining a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention," she added.
The Mediterranean diet's potential benefits for brain health include its rich antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber content, and low processed grain and sugar intake. Walking regularly, in turn, has been linked to improved cognitive function, increased brain blood flow, higher levels of brain activity, reduced stress, and enhanced feelings of well-being.
The data-collection phase of the study is set to be completed by the end of 2023.
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being studied for its potential to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline among older adults.
- The research team is particularly interested in the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, but they are also examining other areas, such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Participants in the study have been randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group, with the intervention group required to modify their diet and adhere to a supervised walking regimen.
- Conner Middelmann, a nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, has noted previous studies that suggest a link between this diet and a decreased risk of dementia, with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease being associated with the Mediterranean diet as well.
- However, Middelmann emphasizes that dementia risk can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall healthcare, making it crucial to approach brain health and dementia prevention holistically.
- The potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for brain health may come from its abundance of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low processed grain and sugar intake, while regular walking has been linked to improved cognitive function, increased brain blood flow, higher levels of brain activity, reduced stress, and enhanced feelings of well-being.
