Mental acuity preservation: Adherence to Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle potentially offers protection
A thrilling study called MedWalk is underway, delving into the potential combinational effects of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline. This study hopes to establish whether adhering to a MedWalk lifestyle can help reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's, and prevent cognitive decline.
Researchers, hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, are excited to see if the combined MedWalk intervention brings about the same benefits observed earlier when looking at these variables separately. The inspiration for MedWalk stems from studies that link both a Mediterranean diet and walking with improved brain health.
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the original study timeline, but the team has published their research methods and ongoing analyses in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Despite the setbacks, the authors remain optimistic about finding robust results.
Participants, aged between 60 and 90, come from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, with some also being recruited from the larger community due to pandemic-related restrictions. The team is focusing on biomarkers related to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress during the study.
The primary objective the researchers are chasing is a 12-month improvement in visual memory and learning among participants. In addition to cognitive improvements, the team hopes to observe enhancements in mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The MedWalk intervention entails a revamp of the participant's diet alongside a guided walking regimen, supplemented with psychosocial behavioral change techniques for added support. Participants will receive intensive help during the first 6 months, followed by continued assistance for the following 6 months. The research team will offer instruction on the differences between the Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet to aid participants in fully grasping the concept.
Some examples of support include providing free extra-virgin olive oil, a main component of the Mediterranean diet, and other necessary foods. After an initial assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants will engage in group walking sessions during the first half of the year, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder.
Researchers can't wait to see if following a Mediterranean diet, known for links to lower dementia rates, could make a tangible difference in dementia and cognitive decline. Similarly, the team is eager to explore if regular walking, associated with slower cognitive decline, could produce brain benefits through increased blood flow, improved brain activity, or reduced stress.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, not involved in the study, points out previous research that suggests following a Mediterranean diet correlates with fewer dementia cases. Studies in 2021 and 2023 found a connection between the Mediterranean diet and decreased Alzheimer's rates.
However, Middelmann advises caution regarding the role of genetics, lifestyle, and overall health in influencing dementia risk. A Mediterranean diet is just one part of a broader approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
The MedWalk study is ongoing and should conclude by the end of 2023. Findings could provide valuable insights on the potential benefits of the MedWalk lifestyle in combatting dementia and cognitive decline. Stay tuned!
- The MedWalk study, investigating the combined effects of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline, is chasing a primary objective of a 12-month improvement in visual memory and learning among participants.
- Researchers can't wait to see if following a Mediterranean diet, known for links to lower dementia rates, could make a tangible difference in dementia and cognitive decline.
- The MedWalk intervention includes a revamp of the participant's diet, guided walking regimen, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques for support.
- The team is focusing on biomarkers related to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress during the study.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, not involved in the study, advises caution regarding the role of genetics, lifestyle, and overall health in influencing dementia risk, suggesting that a Mediterranean diet is just one part of a broader approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
- The study hopes to establish whether adhering to a MedWalk lifestyle can help reduce the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's, and prevent cognitive decline.
