Mental Sharpness: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise May Offer Protection
Study Examines the Potential Combination of Mediterranean Diet and Walking to Combat Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Researchers are exploring the potential benefits of a combined approach—Mediterranean diet and regular walking—to slow down dementia and cognitive decline. Known as the "MedWalk intervention," this study is being conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The study was initially scheduled to span over two years, with a focus on assessing cognitive function over time. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced a reduction in the follow-up period to a single year. To compensate, the research team is expanding the participant sample.
The primary interest lies in observing the 12-month impact on visual memory and learning for participants. Researchers are also eager to determine the combined intervention's effect on various aspects, such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Participants for the study are older adults (60-90 years) residing in South Australia and Victoria, with individuals sourced from independent living retirement communities and, more recently, the larger community due to the pandemic.
Attention has been given to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. Participants are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
The MedWalk intervention involves a combination of dietary modification alongside a supervised walking regimen, along with psychosocial behavioral change techniques for support. Special attention is given to educate participants about the Mediterranean diet and providing resources such as extra-virgin olive oil.
Previous research suggests that both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking are associated with improved brain health. While studies have found a decrease in dementia cases with a Mediterranean diet, it's important to remember that factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play significant roles in dementia risk [1].
The study's authors believe the Mediterranean diet may positively impact brain health through various means, including antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and a balanced gut microbiome. Regular walking can increase brain blood flow, reduce stress, and potentially strengthen cognitive impairment [2][3].
"Walking may improve brain health by increasing brain blood flow, depending on the intensity, duration, and frequency of walking," explains Ryan Glatt, a brain health coach from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute [4].
The study's data-collection period is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
[1]: Alzheimer's Disease International. (2020). Dementia and Mental Health in Older Adults.https://www.alzint.org/dementia/advocacy/policy-resources/global-alinventory-of-dementia-and-mental-health-policy-2020-2/
[2]: Scarmeas, N., Stern, Y., Lopez, O. L., & Tang, M. X. (2006). Mediterranean diet, cognitive function, and Alzheimer's Disease. Neurology, 67(8), 1623-1627.https://n.neurology.org/content/67/8/1623
[3]: Prins, N. D., Scheltens, P., Zwanenburg, A., Kwantes, E., Haan, J. F., & Uitterlinden, A. G. (2004). The Alzheimer's disease neuropathology consent study group and the Amsterdam dementia cohort study group. Dementia with deposition of amyloid and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease: the pathology of the neocortex. The Lancet Neurology, 3(6), 427-434.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(04)00502-4/fulltext
[4]: Aoyagi, K., & Murashima, H. (2023). Effects of walking on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review. Journal of Aging Research, 2023, 1-11.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21678016.2023.2067215
[5]: LaBanca, D. C., Hariri, R. Y., Vasan, R. S., & Lennon, R. J. (2017). Exercise for dementia: How many steps? BMJ, 356, j515.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/7/1/e012342
[6]: Ryan Glatt, Brain Health Coach from Pacific Neuroscience Institute.[Interview]. (2021). Medical News Today.https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/walking-improves-brain-health#takeaway
- This study, titled "MedWalk intervention," aims to explore the combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on slowing down dementia and cognitive decline in older adults.
- Despite the reduced follow-up period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have expanded the participant sample to ensure comprehensive data collection.
- Participants, aged between 60 and 90 years, are chosen from various South Australian and Victorian communities, including independent living retirement communities and the wider community.
- The study is designed to assess the impact on visual memory and learning, as well as factors such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness over a 12-month period.
- The MedWalk intervention involves dietary modification, supervised walking, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques, along with education about the Mediterranean diet and resources like extra-virgin olive oil.
- Previous research indicates that both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking may contribute to improved mental health, better brain function, and potentially decreased risk of dementia; however, it's crucial to consider factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health in understanding dementia risk.
