Preserving Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise as Safeguards
Researchers are currently investigating the impact of the MedWalk intervention - a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking - on dementia and cognitive decline. The study, which started prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, is still in progress, with extended follow-ups and a wider sample of participants due to pandemic-related modifications.
Recruited are individuals aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria, Australia. These participants are divided into two groups: one following the MedWalk intervention and another maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The MedWalk intervention includes dietary modifications, walking regimens, and support for behavioral change.
Both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking have been linked to brain health in past studies. While these associations don't definitively prove cause and effect, the ongoing MedWalk intervention aims to explore the benefits of the combined approach.
Research is ongoing to observe the effects on visual memory and learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
A certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, shared insights into the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for brain health. Rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed grains and sugars, this diet might reduce the risk of cognitive decline by improving vascular health, lowering inflammation, and supporting a balanced gut microbiome.
Regular walking has also been linked to slower cognitive decline. A study found that taking 10,000 steps a day could lower the risk of dementia by 50%. Walking is believed to improve brain health by increasing blood flow, benefiting brain activity, reducing stress, and offering social and environmental benefits.
The MedWalk intervention's data-collection period is scheduled to end by the end of 2023, at which time more definitive findings will be available.
- Researchers are studying the effects of the MedWalk intervention, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, on dementia and cognitive decline in individuals aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria, Australia.
- The study participants are divided into two groups: one following the MedWalk intervention and another maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
- The MedWalk intervention includes dietary modifications, walking regimens, and support for behavioral change.
- Both the Mediterranean diet and regular walking have been linked to brain health, with the Mediterranean diet being rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed grains and sugars.
- Regular walking has been associated with slower cognitive decline, as a study found that taking 10,000 steps a day could lower the risk of dementia by 50%.
- The data-collection period for the MedWalk intervention is scheduled to end by the end of 2023, at which time more definitive findings regarding its impact on visual memory and learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers associated with cognitive decline will be available.
