Healthy cognitive function: Adhering to Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle potentially offers protection
Study Assesses Combined Impact of Mediterranean Diet and Regular Walking on Dementia Risk
Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are examining whether a Mediterranean diet and regular walking can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, collectively known as the MedWalk intervention. The study, which was initially scheduled for a 2-year follow-up but has been shortened to one year due to COVID-19 disruptions, involves over 1,000 participants aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria.
The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modification and a supervised walking program, fortified with psychological behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first six months, with additional assistance remaining available for the following six months to help them adhere to the lifestyle changes. The study aims to analyze the 12-month change in visual memory and learning in participants, as well as its effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers related to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Prior research has linked both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking to brain health. Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in the Mediterranean diet and is not involved in the current study, told Medical News Today that studies suggest a link between the Mediterranean diet and fewer dementia cases. Other studies, including one in 2023, found an association between the Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Middelmann warns that numerous factors can influence dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, making it essential to adopt a holistic approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Walking has also been linked to slower cognitive decline. A study found that taking 10,000 steps a day could lower dementia risk by 50%. Regular walking may improve brain health by increasing brain blood flow, boosting cognitive function, reducing feelings of stress, and introducing social and nature elements with potential brain benefits. The current study is scheduled to complete its data collection by the end of 2023.
- The researchers are assessing whether a combined MedWalk intervention, including a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
- The study involves over 1,000 participants aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria, and analyzes changes in visual memory and learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers related to cognitive decline.
- Prior research has linked a Mediterranean diet to fewer dementia cases and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
- Walking, specifically taking 10,000 steps a day, has been associated with a lower dementia risk, potentially through mechanisms like increasing brain blood flow, boosting cognitive function, reducing stress, and introducing social and nature elements.
- Adopting a holistic approach to brain health and dementia prevention is essential, as numerous factors can influence dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
- The current study, scheduled to complete its data collection by the end of 2023, aims to contribute to the growing body of evidence connecting fitness and exercise, mental health, nutrition, and a healthy diet to brain health and reduced dementia risk.
