Maintaining Cognitive Wellness: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and an Active Lifestyle as Protective Measures
Study Investigates Combined Impact of Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Researchers are exploring the potential benefits of a lifestyle intervention called "MedWalk" in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. The initiative combines a Mediterranean diet with regular walking.
Previous studies have indicated links between both a Mediterranean diet and walking, and brain health. This ongoing study, which started before the COVID-19 pandemic, aims to confirm the advantages of this combined MedWalk intervention. The research is being conducted by a team of scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and is ongoing despite interruptions due to the pandemic.
Originally designed to follow participants for two years, the study has been modified due to the pandemic's impact. The follow-up period has been reduced to one year, and a broader sample of participants has been recruited. The researchers express confidence that the changes will yield strong findings.
The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. Additionally, the researchers will assess the effects of the intervention on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
Participants, who are aged 60 to 90 and reside in South Australia or Victoria, have been assigned to either a MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The intervention involves dietary modifications, supervised walking, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
Researchers provide education about the Mediterranean diet, including supplying extra-virgin olive oil, since it plays a crucial role in the diet. Participants undergo an assessment of their baseline aerobic fitness and participate 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 is not involved in the current study, told Medical News Today that studies suggest following a Mediterranean diet could lead to fewer cases of dementia. Furthermore, other research has found an association between the Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. However, Middelmann stressed that many factors influence dementia risk, and maintaining a healthy diet is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Regular walking is also associated with slower cognitive decline. A study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the reduced risk of dementia, showing that taking 10,000 steps a day lowered the risk by 50%. Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute notes that walking may improve brain health by increasing brain blood flow, enhancing brain activity, reducing stress, and incorporating social and nature-related elements.
The study's data-collection period is set to be completed by the end of 2023. For further details about the specific "MedWalk" study or additional information about the Mediterranean diet, consult scholarly articles, academic databases, or contact research institutions specializing in nutrition and neurodegenerative diseases.
- The ongoing study, which started before the COVID-19 pandemic, is investigating the potential benefits of a lifestyle intervention called "MedWalk" in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease.
- The MedWalk intervention combines a Mediterranean diet with regular walking, and the research is being conducted by a team of scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
- The study aims to confirm the advantages of this combined MedWalk intervention, with a primary focus on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants.
- Participants, who are aged 60 to 90 and reside in South Australia or Victoria, have been assigned to either a MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
- Researchers provide education about the Mediterranean diet, including supplying extra-virgin olive oil, since it plays a crucial role in the diet, and participants undergo an assessment of their baseline aerobic fitness and participate in group walking sessions.
- According to certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, following a Mediterranean diet could lead to fewer cases of dementia, and regular walking is also associated with slower cognitive decline.
