Preserving Brain Health: Adhering to Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle may offer Safeguard
Lighting the Path to Brain Health: The MedWalk Study
Researchers are diving headfirst into an exciting project, dubbed MedWalk, to determine if the combined effect of a Mediterranean diet and walking can ward off dementia and cognitive decline, a concern that affects millions worldwide.
Both the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, like walking, have been associated with maintaining a sharp mind. But MedWalk? That's a powerful combo the scientists are eager to investigate. The research, by a team hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, is currently underway, with some interruptions due to the pesky pandemic.
The researchers are focused on observing changes in visual memory and learning over the course of 12 months. They're also keeping a close eye on the MedWalk intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The study includes participants aged 60 to 90 living in South Australia and Victoria.The recruitment process recently expanded due to the pandemic, opening up opportunities for participants from various communities. Special attention is paid to critical markers of cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
MedWalk participants are split into two groups: one undergoing the MedWalk intervention, and the other maintaining their regular diet and exercise routine. The intervention includes dietary modifications, a guided walking regimen, and support for lifestyle changes. Intensive guidance is provided for the initial six months, with continued assistance throughout the remaining six months to ensure participants stay on track.
In the midst of all this, Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, shared her insights with Medical News Today. She highlighted several ways in which the Mediterranean diet could support brain health:
- Antioxidants: Plentiful in the Mediterranean diet, these powerhouses help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, important contributors to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: The Mediterranean diet is rich in these essential fatty acids, particularly DHA, vital for brain health. Extra omega-3s have been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- Gut Health: A high-fiber diet, like the Mediterranean diet, keeps the gut microbiome in balance.
- Low Processed Grains and Sugars: By limiting the intake of processed grains and sugars, the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation is reduced.
- Minimal Ultra-processed Foods: The diet discourages consumption of ultra-processed foods, which have been tied to dementia.
- Socialization and Exercise: Regular meals with loved ones and a healthy dose of exercise, hallmarks of the Mediterranean lifestyle, have also been associated with better brain health.
Walking regularly has shown promising signs of being a brain-protective activity. A 2023 study revealed that taking 10,000 steps a day slashed the risk of dementia by 50%. Other studies suggest that walking boosts brain blood flow, supports cognitive function, eases stress, and improves overall well-being.
By the end of 2023, we'll have more definitive answers on the efficacy of the MedWalk intervention. Brace yourselves, folks—it's an exciting step toward a sharper brain and improved quality of life!
- The MedWalk Study, investigating the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and walking, aims to prevent dementia and cognitive decline, a concern affecting millions globally.
- Scientists are monitoring the effects of the MedWalk intervention on mentality, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and visual memory over a 12-month period in individuals aged 60 to 90.
- Conner Middelmann, a nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, suggests that antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, gut health, low processed grains and sugars, minimal ultra-processed foods, socialization, and exercise are key elements in the Mediterranean diet that support brain health.
- The study's participants are divided into two groups: one implementing the MedWalk intervention and another maintaining their current diet and exercise routine.
- The MedWalk intervention includes dietary modifications, a guided walking program, and support for lifestyle changes, with intensive guidance provided during the initial six months and continued assistance for the following six months.
- Researchers hope that the MedWalk Study will provide concrete evidence by the end of 2023 on the effectiveness of this combined approach for enhancing brain health, encouraging a sharper mind and improved quality of life.
