Preserving Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Offers Potential Shield
A groundbreaking study, dubbed "MedWalk," is currently underway, investigating the potential of pairing a Mediterranean diet with regular walking to combat dementia and cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Both the Mediterranean diet and walking have been conclusively linked to brain health in the past. MedWalk seeks to establish whether their combined effect can offer even more substantial benefits. Originating from researchers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the research has faced interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is pressing on.
Initially designed to monitor cognitive abilities over two years, the study timeline and finances have compelled the researchers to reduce the observation period to just one year, with plans to widen the participant pool in the process. The primary focus lies on assessing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for subjects.
Additional areas of interest include impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness. The trial features participants between the ages of 60 and 90 residing in South Australia and Victoria, sourced from independent living retirement communities and the broader community, due to the pandemic.
Notable attention is paid to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. Participants are randomly divided into either a MedWalk intervention group or a control group, adhering to their usual diet and activity routines.
The MedWalk intervention involves dietary modifications coupled with a guided walking regimen, reinforced with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Intensive support is provided for the first six months, with additional assistance available for the succeeding six, to help maintain compliance. The researchers offer guidance on the key differences between a Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet, aiming to clarify the concept.
Researchers supply participants with generous assistance, such as free extra-virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. After determining a baseline level of aerobic fitness, participants will attend group walking sessions in the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the trial year.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in Mediterranean diets, noted to Medical News Today that earlier research suggests following a Mediterranean diet may reduce the incidence of dementia. Studies support that adhering to this diet is beneficial for brain health in various ways, including combating oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting omega-3 fatty acid consumption, promoting a balanced gut microbiome, and reducing the intake of processed grains and sugars.
Brain health and dementia prevention aren't just about maintaining a healthy diet; they're part of a comprehensive approach. Sharing meals with loved ones and regular exercise, key aspects of the Mediterranean lifestyle, also contribute to brain health.
Walking regularly has similarly been linked to slower cognitive decline. A study found that taking 10,000 steps a day lowers dementia risk by half. In addition, walking may improve overall brain health by increasing blood flow, boosting neuroactivity, reducing stress levels, and incorporating social elements and exposure to nature, all of which can benefit cognition.
By the end of 2023, the MedWalk study aims to complete data collection. Stay tuned for future updates on the promising potential of this innovative lifestyle intervention in combating cognitive decline and dementia.
- The groundbreaking MedWalk study, combining a Mediterranean diet with walking, is investigating its potential to combat dementia and cognitive decline, especially Alzheimer's disease.
- Researchers, originating from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, have noted that both the Mediterranean diet and walking have been linked to brain health in the past, and seek to establish if their combined effect offers more substantial benefits.
- Initially designed to monitor cognitive abilities over two years, the MedWalk study has been adjusted due to time and financial constraints, reducing the observation period to just one year and planning to widen the participant pool.
- The researchers are primarily focusing on assessing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for subjects, with additional areas of interest including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Participants are randomly divided into either a MedWalk intervention group or a control group, with the MedWalk intervention involving dietary modifications coupled with a guided walking regimen, reinforced with psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
- Notable attention is paid to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress, and researchers offer guidance on the key differences between a Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet.
