Mental wellbeing: Adopting Mediterranean diet and active living might foster protection
Let's unravel the MedWalk intervention: A brain-booster combo of diet and exercise
Researchers are diving deep into the world of dementia and cognitive decline, and they're bringing two heavy hitters to the table: the Mediterranean diet and good ol' walking. They're calling this exciting combo the MedWalk intervention, and it's being studied to see if it can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's.
You heard that right - the MedWalk intervention is all about taking a bite out of brain decline by pairing a Mediterranean-inspired diet with a regular walking routine.
The science behind it: Both components have been linked to brain health, but it's the combiner they're interested in. The study is going down under, with researchers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. They've shared their process and findings so far in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Originally designed to track cognitive function for two years, the study has been adjusted due to the pandemic, with the follow-up period shortened to a single year. The researchers are staying positive, believing that the tweaked setup will still yield strong results.
The focus is on visual memory and learning for participants. Beyond that, the researchers are keeping an eye on mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness. The participants? Sixty-to-ninety-year-olds from South Australia and Victoria.
What's special about this study? Special attention is being paid to key markers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The MedWalk intervention is a mix of dialing in your diet and a supervised walking regimen, boosted with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants received intensive support during the first six months, with additional help available for the next six, to keep them on track.
To help participants understand the Mediterranean diet, the researchers are providing extra-virgin olive oil and other Mediterranean goodies, like olives and whole grains. After a fitness assessment, participants will engage in group walking sessions for the first six months followed by monthly sessions for the rest of the test year.
The Mediterranean diet: A brain-boosting ally
Certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, told Medical News Today that previous studies linked the Mediterranean diet to lower cases of dementia. In fact, recent studies found an association between the Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's – the most common form of dementia.
While a Mediterranean diet may not guarantee dementia-free living, Middelmann advises that it could play a part in your all-around brain health strategy. So, what makes the Mediterranean diet so special?
- Antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and fewer processed grains and sugars keep your brain healthy by fighting oxidative stress, inflammation, and managing insulin resistance.
- Don't forget the social elements and nature exposure. Share meals with friends and family, and go for a stroll – both are good for your brain!
Walking: A simple way to keep your brain sharp
Walking regularly is linked to slower cognitive decline. One study found that taking 10,000 steps a day lowered the risk of dementia by 50%. Another found a link between walking speed and dementia. Walking may boost brain health by increasing blood flow and reducing stress, among other benefits.
The MedWalk intervention study's data-collection period will wind down at the end of 2023, and we can't wait to see the results! So, are you ready to take the MedWalk and make brain-boosting moves?
- The MedWalk intervention is a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, aimed at reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's.
- The study, featured in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, is being conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
- Originally designed to track cognitive function for two years, the study has been adjusted due to the pandemic, with the follow-up period now being a single year.
- The focus of the study is on visual memory and learning, with researchers also observing mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- The Mediterranean diet, a brain-boosting ally, is rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and fewer processed grains and sugars, helping to combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance.
- Walking regularly is linked to slower cognitive decline and may boost brain health by increasing blood flow and reducing stress, making it a simple yet effective method for maintaining mental health.
