Maintaining Cognitive Wellness: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle for Potential Protection
Investigation Examines Synergistic Impact of Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Scientists are currently exploring whether a lifestyle intervention - known as "MedWalk" - could lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. The MedWalk regimen combines the Mediterranean diet with regular walking.
Previous research indicates that both a Mediterranean diet and walking have positive impacts on brain health. This study aims to examine the combined effect of these practices. Conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, this ongoing study has been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the original 2-year follow-up period for assessing cognitive changes has been reduced to a single year. Nevertheless, the authors believe that the modified study design will yield strong findings.
The primary focus of the investigation is the 12-month change in participants' visual memory and learning ability. The researchers are also interested in the intervention's effects on a range of factors such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
In this study, participants are 60-to-90-year-old individuals residing in South Australia and Victoria, Australia. The participants have been divided into two groups: those following the MedWalk intervention and a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
The MedWalk intervention is a combination of dietary modification coupled with a supervised walking program, bolstered by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first 6 months, followed by continued assistance for the subsequent 6 months to ensure compliance. Researchers are providing instruction on the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing the differences between this eating pattern and a typical Australian diet.
Various components of the Mediterranean diet, such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a lower intake of processed grains and sugars, have been linked to better cognitive health. Additionally, sharing meals with family and friends and regular exercise - components of the Mediterranean lifestyle - are associated with improved brain function.
Regular walking, too, has been linked to slower cognitive decline. A previous study revealed a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken daily and the lower risk of dementia, with 10,000 steps per day reducing the risk by half. Another study found a correlation between walking speed and dementia, while a third study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that aerobic exercise, such as walking, can mitigate cognitive impairment.
The data collection for this study will be completed by the end of 2023.
(Related Enrichment Data) Mediterranean diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, this diet has been associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment. Recent studies suggest that following the Mediterranean diet can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults.
Walking: Regular physical activity, such as walking, is beneficial for cardiovascular health and cognitive function. It protects brain health by enhancing blood flow and supporting neuroplasticity, slowing cognitive decline. Studies have shown that walking three times a week at a moderate pace can slow cognitive decline.
This study's findings could provide valuable insights into the importance of lifestyle modifications for maintaining cognitive health and potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
- The ongoing study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, investigates the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline.
- Conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the study focuses on the 12-month change in participants' visual memory and learning ability.
- In this study, the MedWalk intervention, a combination of dietary modification and a supervised walking program, is being tested for its potential to lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's disease.
- The benefits of both the Mediterranean diet and walking on mental health have been established by science; this study aims to examine their synergistic effect.
- Participants, aged 60 to 90 and residing in South Australia and Victoria, Australia, have been divided into those following the MedWalk intervention and a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
- Regular walking, a component of the Mediterranean lifestyle, has been linked to slower cognitive decline and has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of dementia by half with 10,000 steps per day, while the Mediterranean diet is rich in nutrients such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a lower intake of processed grains and sugars, all of which have been associated with better cognitive health.
