A New Study Investigates the Combination of Mediterranean Diet and Walking for Brain Health
Maintaining mental acuity: Adopting Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity might provide shield
Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting a groundbreaking study, MedWalk, to explore the synergistic effect of a Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline.
The study, which will be completed by the end of 2023, seeks to establish whether adopting a MedWalk intervention can lower the risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's dementia.
The MedWalk Intervention
The study participants are 60 to 90-year-olds living in South Australia and Victoria. They are divided into either a MedWalk intervention group or a control group. The MedWalk group follows a combination of dietary modification and supervised walking alongside psychosocial behavioral change techniques. For the first six months, these participants receive intensive support, followed by continued assistance for the remaining six months to maintain their progress.
The dietary guidelines for a Mediterranean regime emphasize high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and fish, moderate dairy and wine, and a limited intake of red meat and processed foods. For the walking component, participants engage in group sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the study year.
The Science Behind MedWalk
Preliminary research indicates the potential benefits of both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on brain health. By combining these approaches, the study aims to create a powerful intervention for cognitive protection.
A Mediterranean diet contains antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids that support brain health, and essential nutrients that promote a balanced gut microbiome. The walking regimen may increase brain blood flow, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being.
Caution should be exercised when interpreting the findings since many factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, can influence dementia risk. Maintaining a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is an important aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
- The researchers involved in the MedWalk study are investigating a synergistic effect of a Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline, specifically in persons aged 60 to 90 living in South Australia and Victoria.
- The MedWalk intervention involves participants from both groups following dietary modifications and supervised walking, along with psychosocial behavioral change techniques, under intensive support for the first six months and continued assistance for the remaining six months.
- The Mediterranean diet, a key aspect of the MedWalk intervention, focuses on high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, olive oil, and fish, moderate dairy and wine, and a limited intake of red meat and processed foods.
- Walking sessions, another critical component of the MedWalk intervention, involve group activities for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the rest of the study year.
- Preliminary research suggests that both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking may have potential benefits for brain health, and by combining these approaches, MedWalk aims to create a potent intervention for cognitive protection.
- While the benefits of the MedWalk intervention are promising, it is important to understand that genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play a role in the risk of dementia, and maintaining a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is an essential part of a holistic approach to brain health, dementia prevention, mental health, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition.
