Improving Brain Health: Adopting a Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle may Provide Protection
MedWalk Intervention: Combating Aging Cognitive Decline
Researchers worldwide are exploring whether the unique "MedWalk intervention" could help older adults reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia, such as Alzheimer's. Here's the lowdown on this exciting study that's sweeping the globe!
What is the MedWalk Intervention all about?
The MedWalk intervention combines the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking to potentially tackle the grim specter of cognitive decline and dementia. This study builds on prior research hinting at links between both components and brain health.
The MedWalk study is currently underway, with researchers from three continents - Australia, New Zealand, and the UK - collaborating on this groundbreaking research. Initiated before the pandemic, the study was temporarily delayed but forges ahead, attracting increased interest as people grapple with the growing phenomenon of age-related cognitive impairment.
Key Outcomes
The researchers focusing their attention on the impact of MedWalk on a crucial 12-month change in visual memory and learning skills among study participants. Furthermore, they aim to observe the effects on a range of areas, including mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
Piecing Together the Evidence
Normally lasting two years, the study has been tweaked due to pandemic realities. The trial's duration has been reduced to a single year, while collecting a more extensive cohort of participants to ensure robust findings.
Mediterranean Diet and Cognition: The Science Behind
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann throws light on past research that links following a Mediterranean diet with reduced dementia rates. Several studies indicated that consuming this diet might minimize the risk of Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, as well as dementia overall.
However, it's essential to realize that many factors influence dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Therefore, adopting the Mediterranean diet as part of an inclusive approach to brain health and dementia prevention is crucial.
Why Makes a Mediterranean Diet Good for the Brain?
Middelmann underscores several factors contributing to brain health benefits from the Mediterranean diet. High in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, it targets oxidative stress and inflammation linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, it encourages fiber-rich food to keep the gut microbiome balanced, reduces insulin resistance and inflammation, and eschews ultra-processed foods linked to dementia.
Walking: A Step Toward Better Brain Health
Walking regularly is linked to slower cognitive decline too. One study demonstrated that taking 10,000 steps a day can potentially minimize the risk of dementia by half. Both walking and the Mediterranean diet may contribute to enhanced brain function by increasing blood flow, decreasing stress levels, promoting brain activity, and incorporating social and environmental elements beneficial for the brain.
So hold tight, 2023 will mark the end of this momentous research. Let's hope the MedWalk results bring us one step closer to conquering cognitive decline and dementia!
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being studied worldwide to potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's.
- Researchers from three continents - Australia, New Zealand, and the UK - are collaborating on this groundbreaking study that explores the impact of MedWalk on visual memory and learning skills, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- The MedWalk study aims to provide evidence for the role of a healthy diet and fitness-and-exercise in maintaining mental-health and brain health, particularly in the context of dementia prevention.
- Normally lasting two years, the study has been adapted to a single year due to pandemic realities, with a larger cohort of participants to ensure robust findings.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann highlights the science behind the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to reduced dementia rates, less risk of Alzheimer's, and better brain health due to its high antioxidant and omega-3 fatty acid content, fiber-rich food, and reduced ultra-processed food intake.
- Regular walking, another key component of the MedWalk intervention, has been shown to potentially minimize the risk of dementia by half, contributing to enhanced brain function through increased blood flow, decreased stress levels, and incorporation of social and environmental elements beneficial for the brain.
