Healthy Cognition: Adhering to Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle may offer shielding benefits
MedWalk Investigation: A Potential Game-Changer for Dementia Prevention
Brace yourself, folks! Researchers are embarking on an intriguing new study, dubbed the "MedWalk intervention", exploring the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and walking on the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Excited yet? Here's a lowdown on what you need to know!
The study, spearheaded by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, aims to assess whether following the MedWalk regime can ward off cognitive decline and various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's dementia.
Despite previous research linking both a Mediterranean diet and walking to brain health, this study seeks to cement the benefits of this unique combination. Initially slated to last two years, the pandemic has resulted in the study's follow-up period being cut to just one year, with the extended recruitment of participants.
Researchers are primarily interested in observing the impact of the MedWalk intervention on visual memory and learning, with the study spanning 2023. Furthermore, they plan to study dozens of other factors, including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The participants hail from 60 to 90-year-old individuals living in South Australia and Victoria, and the study initially selected them from independent living retirement communities. However, the pandemic has forced the researchers to also approach participants from the wider community for recruitment.
The MedWalk intervention group will undergo a combination of dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, bolstered by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. To help participants stay on track, they will receive intensive support during the initial six months, with additional assistance available for the following six months.
Excited about the MedWalk regime, but skeptical about its benefits? Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, has shed some light on the topic. According to Middelmann, previous research suggests a link between the Mediterranean diet and fewer cases of dementia.
Participants in the "MedWalk intervention" study will take an assessment of their baseline aerobic fitness before engaging in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the duration of the study. After all, we know that walking has been associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline!
Stay tuned for more developments on this compelling study! Will the MedWalk intervention really revolutionize our approach to dementia prevention and cognitive health? Only time will tell! So, dust off those walking shoes and grab that olive oil – let's get moving!
- The MedWalk investigation, due in 2023, explores the potential effects of a unique combination of a Mediterranean diet and walking on cognitive decline and dementia prevention.
- Researchers have set out to determine if the MedWalk regime can help ward off various types of dementia, like Alzheimer's dementia, citing previous research linking both elements to brain health.
- The study participants, aged 60 to 90, are primarily from retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, with the pandemic necessitating broader community recruitment.
- The MedWalk intervention group will follow a combination of dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques, with ongoing support throughout.
- Excitement surrounds the MedWalk regime, but questions remain about its benefits; certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann believes previous research indicates a link between the Mediterranean diet and lower dementia cases.
- The study will monitor factors beyond visual memory and learning, including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Participants will be assessed for their baseline aerobic fitness before partaking in group walking sessions for the initial six months, followed by monthly sessions for the study's duration, relying on walking's association with improved cognitive function and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- The MedWalk investigation holds promise for revolutionizing our approach to dementia prevention and cognitive health, but the ultimate verdict will depend on the study's findings in the coming year.
