Maintaining Brain Health: Adopting a Mediterranean Diet and an Active Lifestyle Potentially Offers Protection
A groundbreaking study, dubbed the MedWalk intervention, is exploring the potential of combining a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity, specifically walking, in reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
This intriguing study delves into the combined impact of a balanced diet and walking regimen on brain health, seeking to back up previous findings that suggest these factors independently promote cognitive well-being.
Currently in progress, this research initiative brings together scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study has faced interruptions, but the investigators have shared their methodology and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Initially designed to span over a 2-year period, unforeseen circumstances have necessitated reducing the follow-up to a single year. In response, the scientists have expanded their participant pool to gather a more varied sample.
The researchers are particularly interested in observing the 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants, but they are also intrigued by the intervention's potential effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The MedWalk intervention calls for a lifestyle change, incorporating dietary modifications along with a supervised walking program, bolstered by psychosocial behavioral techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first 6 months, with additional assistance available for the following 6 months to help maintain their progress.
Participants, aged 60 to 90, hail from South Australia and Victoria, recruited predominantly from independent living retirement communities. Due to the pandemic, participants have also been enrolled from the broader community.
The study places a special emphasis on monitoring biomarkers related to cognitive decline, including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group that maintains their usual diet and activity routine. The MedWalk intervention group follows a Mediterranean-inspired diet, accompanied by a walking schedule led by group sessions during the initial 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the study.
Historically, a Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, while regular walking has shown promise in delaying cognitive decline.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, emphasized the need for a holistic approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
She highlighted that the Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and is low in processed grains and sugars. Furthermore, the diet encourages social engagement and physical activity, both of which contribute to brain health.
Walking, too, has been linked to slower cognitive decline, with one study reporting that taking 10,000 steps per day could reduce the risk of dementia by half.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute explained that walking might improve brain health through various mechanisms, including increased blood flow, heightened brain activity, reduced stress, and boosted feelings of well-being.
"The data collection phase for this study will be wrapped up by the end of 2023, at which point preliminary findings should be available."
Scientists, in a study called MedWalk, are investigating the combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity, particularly walking, on dementia and cognitive decline.
The study, conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, explores how these factors might promote brain health and delay cognitive decline.
The research emphasizes monitoring biomarkers related to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants in the study, aged 60 to 90, are following a Mediterranean-inspired diet and walking schedule, with both factors showing promise in reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann underscores the importance of a holistic approach to brain health and dementia prevention, highlighting the Mediterranean diet's benefits due to its rich antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low processed grains and sugars.
Walking, too, has been linked to improved brain health, potentially through mechanisms like increased blood flow, heightened brain activity, reduced stress, and boosted feelings of well-being, as explained by brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute.
