Diet and active lifestyle linked to cognitive health protection
Going the Extra Mile for Cognitive Health:
The MedTread Study, a groundbreaking investigation that merges the Mediterranean diet with a consistent walking routine, is examining the joint impact on dementia, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease. The acronym, MedTread, stands for the combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking.
Both the Mediterranean diet and daily strolls have shown promise in brain health, and this research aims to validate the combined MedTread intervention's benefits. A team of scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting this study, but the pandemic has temporarily slowed progress. They have shared their methods and ongoing analysis in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Originally designed to monitor cognitive changes over two years, the financial strain and duration of the pandemic called for alterations. The current follow-up period has been shortened to one year, but the scientists remain hopeful that the modified design will yield strong, meaningful findings.
The primary outcome of interest for the study's authors is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. However, they're also studying the intervention's influence on several aspects, including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and a variety of biomarkers related to cognitive decline.
The participants are 60-90-year-old Australians from retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria. Recruitment has expanded during the pandemic to include people from larger communities as well. The study participants have been divided into two groups: the MedTread intervention group and a control group that maintains their typical diet and activity level.
The MedTread intervention involves dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, fortified with behavioral change techniques. Participants receive extensive support for the first six months, with additional assistance available for the subsequent six months to help them adhere to the program. The researchers provide detailed guidance on the differences between the Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet, as well as various resources like extra-virgin olive oil and other food items to assist participants.
Preliminary research suggests that both the Mediterranean diet and daily exercise may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, warns that while these studies indicate a link, other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play crucial roles in dementia risk.
The Mediterranean diet may contribute to brain health through several mechanisms:
- Antioxidants present in the diet help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are believed to contribute significantly to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in the diet, are vital for brain health and have been linked to improved cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
- The diet's high fiber content supports a healthy gut microbiome, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.
- The consumption of ultra-processed foods, associated with dementia, is discouraged in the Mediterranean diet.
Furthermore, sharing meals with friends and family, and regular exercise—both aspects of the Mediterranean diet—have been associated with improved brain health.
The benefits of daily walking on cognitive health are also evident. Research indicates that walking regularly might slow cognitive decline and strengthen cognitive impairment. Incorporating social interactions and exposure to nature during walks could further boost brain health benefits.
After analyzing the baseline aerobic fitness of participants, they participate in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the rest of the test year. The current study's data-collection period is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2023.
- The MedTread Study, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is investigating its joint impact on dementia, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting the MedTread Study, focusing on validating the benefits of the MedTread intervention for brain health.
- The primary outcome of interest for the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, but the study also examines mood, quality of life, health costs, and various biomarkers related to cognitive decline.
- The study participants, aged 60-90, have been divided into two groups: the MedTread intervention group and a control group, with the former receiving dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen.
- Preliminary research suggests that both the Mediterranean diet and daily exercise may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia, but other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play crucial roles.
- The Mediterranean diet may contribute to brain health through antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, high fiber content, and by discouraging the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
- Regular walking, when combined with social interactions and exposure to nature, may slow cognitive decline and strengthen cognitive impairment.
- Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, advises that while these studies indicate a link, other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play crucial roles in dementia risk.
- The data-collection period for the MedTread Study is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2023.
- The MedTread Study is a significant advancement in the field of health, health-and-wellness, medical-conditions, science, and fitness-and-exercise, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, dementia, neurological disorders, and the connection between dietary choices, physical activity, and brain health.
