Mental Health Preservation: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise may Offer Protection
The "MedWalk" study, a combo of the Mediterranean diet and walking, is investigating if it can help prevent cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's. This research mixes two practices known to support brain health: a Mediterranean diet and regular walking.
Originally, the study aimed to track cognitive changes over two years. However, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have adjusted the follow-up period to just one year. The modified study is still ongoing, with an expanded participant pool from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The primary focus of this study is examining a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. Besides this, the researchers also analyze the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
Participants — aged 60-90 — are divided into two groups: the MedWalk intervention group and a control group that maintains their usual diet and activity level. The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modifications, a supervised walking regimen, and behavioral change techniques. Participants get intensive support for the first 6 months, with additional help available for the following 6 months.
Research suggests that following the Mediterranean diet could lower the risk of dementia[1][2][3]. The diet is rich in antioxidants, vital for brain health, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed grains and sugars. Moreover, eating differently and regular exercise are other elements of the Mediterranean diet associated with better brain health.
Regarding walking, studies have established a correlation between walking regularly and lower dementia risks[3]. The exact mechanisms are still being discovered, but it's believed that walking may boost brain blood flow, improve brain activity, and reduce stress while improving feelings of well-being. Walking also offers social and environmental benefits, further contributing to brain health.
Although specific findings on the combined effects of the Mediterranean diet and walking aren't extensively documented, it's clear that a balanced lifestyle that includes both can aid in maintaining cognitive health. Future research should delve deeper into the interaction between these factors to gain a better understanding of their joint impact.
[1] https://www.bmj.com/content/363/bmj.k4878[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4582871/[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364557916302719
- The ongoing "MedWalk" study, a combination of Mediterranean diet and walking, is investigating if it can help prevent cognitive decline and diseases such as Alzheimer's, which affect mental health and brain health.
- The study, which involves practices known to support health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and mental health, has adjusted its follow-up period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Participants aged 60-90 are divided into two groups: one following the MedWalk intervention, which includes dietary modifications, a supervised walking regimen, and behavioral change techniques, and a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
- The study's primary focus is examining a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants, while also analyzing the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
- Researches suggest that the Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed grains and sugars, could lower the risk of dementia, and regular walking is correlated with lower dementia risks.
- Although specific findings on the combined effects of the Mediterranean diet and walking aren't extensively documented, a balanced lifestyle that includes both could aid in maintaining cognitive health, and future research should delve deeper into the interaction between these factors.
