Healthy brain: Adopting Mediterranean diet and active living could offer protection
The investigation on the MedWalk intervention: Combining the Mediterranean diet and regular walking to combat dementia and cognitive decline
The ongoing research sheds light on the potential benefits of a lifestyle intervention, dubbed the MedWalk, for older adults seeking to lower their risk of dementia and cognitive decline. This innovative approach fuses the recognized health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking exercises.
MedWalk in action:
Recently, researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom initiated a study exploring the collaborative effect of a Mediterranean diet and walking on brain health. While the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted initial plans, researchers are still moving forward and have published updates in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Originally designed to span over two years, timely adjustments have been made due to the pandemic's impact, reducing follow-up periods to a single year. Participants, who are between 60 and 90 years old, hail from two Australian states, South Australia, and Victoria, with recruitment also taking place in the larger community during the pandemic.
Each participant is assigned to one of two groups: the control group maintaining their usual diet and activity levels or the intervention group following the MedWalk lifestyle. Participants receive support and guidance for six months, with ongoing help available for the next six months.
Exploring the study's primary focus:
The scientists' primary interest lies in the 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. They are also monitoring the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness. Further observation explores biomarkers and their influence on cognitive decline, including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Evidence of Mediterranean diet's efficacy:
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who isn't involved in the study, emphasizes that multiple studies support the idea that the Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of dementia. In addition, research published in 2023 found an association between a Mediterranean diet and reduced instances of Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia.
However, Middelmann emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that a multitude of factors contribute to dementia risk, including lifestyle, genetics, and overall health. Adopting a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, Middelmann asserts, forms part of a comprehensive approach to maintaining brain health and preventing dementia.
Walking: A powerful ally for cognitive health:
Regular walking also plays a significant role in cognitive health and dementia prevention. One study unearthed a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and reduced dementia risk, showing that walking 10,000 steps per day halved the risk.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute suggests that walking may improve brain health by increasing blood flow, improving cognitive function, reducing feelings of stress, enhancing overall well-being, and incorporating social elements and exposure to nature - all of which have benefits for the brain.
By the end of 2023, this groundbreaking study will have completed the data-collection period. As researchers analyze findings, they may unlock a new, powerful formula for maintaining optimal cognitive health and preventing dementia.
- The ongoing MedWalk study investigates the combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking exercises on brain health, exploring potential benefits for older adults seeking to lower their dementia and cognitive decline risks.
- Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are part of the study, recruitment also taking place during the pandemic, with participants from two Australian states and the larger community.
- Participants are divided into two groups: the control group maintaining usual diet and activity levels, and the intervention group following the MedWalk lifestyle, receiving support for six months with ongoing help for the next six months.
- The scientists' primary focus is on the 12-month change in visual memory and learning, monitoring the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers related to cognitive decline.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, not involved in the study, highlights the evidence supporting the Mediterranean diet's potential to lower dementia risk and reduce instances of Alzheimer's disease.
- Regular walking has a significant impact on cognitive health and dementia prevention, as demonstrated by studies showing a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps and reduced dementia risk, with 10,000 steps per day halving the risk.
