Maintaining cognitive health: Adopting a Mediterranean diet and leading an active lifestyle could offer protection
Researchers are delving into whether following a "MedWalk" regimen, which involves adhering to a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, can lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, such as Alzheimer's. "MedWalk" stands for a "Mediterranean diet" and "walking."
Both a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise through walking have shown connections to brain health, but this study aims to establish the benefits of the combined MedWalk intervention. The study is being conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, with versions published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The ongoing research was initially designed to measure cognitive changes over two years but has been modified due to COVID-19. To account for this, the follow-up period has been shortened to a year, with a broader participant sample recruited.
The primary focus of the study is examining changes in visual memory and learning in participants following a 12-month MedWalk intervention. The research team is also observing the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Participants assigned to the MedWalk group participate in supervised walking sessions and receive support for dietary modifications. After an evaluation of their baseline aerobic fitness level, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remaining test period.
Special attention is paid to biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who is not part of the current study, shared insights with Medical News Today. She noted that previous studies indicated a link between practicing a Mediterranean diet and lower instances of dementia. Other research in 2023 discovered an association between a Mediterranean diet and reduced rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, offering evidence supporting the MedWalk study.
However, Middelmann cautioned that other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health can influence dementia risk, emphasizing that a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is just one aspect of a holistic approach to cognitive health and dementia prevention.
Research indicates that walking regularly may contribute to brain health in various ways. This includes increased brain blood flow, improved cognitive function, reduced stress levels, and the inclusion of social and nature elements, all of which can lead to better brain health.
By the end of 2023, the study's data collection period will be completed.
- The MedWalk regimen, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being investigated by researchers for its potential in lowering the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
- Both the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise through walking have showed significant connections to brain health, and this study aims to delve deeper into the benefits of the MedWalk intervention.
- The study, being conducted by researchers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, was initially designed to measure cognitive changes over two years, but has since been modified due to COVID-19, shortening the follow-up period to a year and expanding the participant sample.
- The primary focus of the study is examining changes in visual memory and learning in participants following a 12-month MedWalk intervention.
- Participants in the MedWalk group participate in supervised walking sessions and receive support for dietary modifications as part of the intervention.
- Special attention is being paid to biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress, in the study.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann noted that previous studies have indicated a link between practicing a Mediterranean diet and lower instances of dementia, and pointed to a 2023 study that discovered an association between a Mediterranean diet and reduced rates of Alzheimer's disease, offering further evidence supporting the MedWalk study.
- Research suggests that walking regularly may contribute to brain health in various ways, including increased brain blood flow, improved cognitive function, reduced stress levels, and the inclusion of social and nature elements, all of which can lead to better brain health.
