Maintaining Cognitive Wellness: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise for Potential Protection
A Cutting-Edge Research Project Explores the Synergy Between Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Researchers are delving into the uncharted territory of the "MedWalk" intervention's potential impact on cognitive decline, Alzheimer's dementia, and other dementias.
MedWalk, a shorthand for a Mediterranean diet coupled with walking, is under scrutiny to determine whether it serves as a powerful defense against dementia and cognitive decline.
This groundbreaking study - carried out by a collaborative team from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom - is currently in progress, despite the interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Findings on the researchers' strategies and ongoing analysis can be found in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The MedWalk Intervention: A Brain-Boosting Game Changer?
Originally, the study aimed to track cognitive health over a 2-year period. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted modifications, leading to a reduced follow-up period of one year and an expanded pool of participants.
The research team is especially focused on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Beyond these primary objectives, they're also interested in the effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and other relevant aspects.
The participants are 60-90-year-old adults residing in the Australian states of South Australia and Victoria. Participants were initially drawn from independent living retirement communities, but the pandemic has enabled the recruitment of individuals from the larger community as well.
Special attention is paid to markers of cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants are assigned to one of two groups: the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modification with a supervised walking regimen, backed by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support during the first 6 months, with ongoing assistance available for the subsequent 6 months to help them adhere to the intervention.
Instructors elucidate the distinctions between the Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet to facilitate the participants' understanding of this unique approach to eating. For instance, extra-virgin olive oil is offered free of charge, a critical component of a Mediterranean diet.
After an assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions for the initial 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Mediterranean Diet and Brain Health
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, not involved in the current study, shed light on the potential association between the Mediterranean diet and reduced dementia risk to Medical News Today. Middelmann highlighted studies supporting the link between following a Mediterranean diet and fewer dementia cases. Some research, like one from 2020 and another from 2023, suggested an association between a Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
However, she advised against dismissing other factors influencing dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
"While these studies indicate a link between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia, maintaining a healthy diet represents merely one facet of a comprehensive approach to cognitive health and dementia prevention," Middelmann concluded.
How Does Walking Protect Cognition?
Walking regularly is linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline. The Relationship Between Dementia andwalking found that taking 10,000 steps a day reduced dementia risk by 50%.
A study in the United States and Australia found a correlation between walking speed and dementia. Furthermore, a 2017 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that aerobic exercise, including walking, could curb cognitive impairment.
"Walking may boost brain health by improving brain blood flow, depending on the intensity, duration, and regularity of walking," said brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, who's not involved in this study.
"In addition, it may promote higher levels of brain activity, alleviate stress, and enhance feelings of well-being," Glatt added.
"Walking may also incorporate social elements and exposure to nature, both of which might have cognitive benefits," said Glatt.
The study's data collection period is set to conclude by the end of 2023.
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Researchers are exploring the potential synergy between the Mediterranean diet and walking, known as the MedWalk intervention, as a means to combat dementia and cognitive decline.
Initially designed to track cognitive health over a 2-year period, the current study has been modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a follow-up period of one year and an expanded pool of participants.
The research team is especially interested in the effects of the MedWalk intervention on visual memory and learning, as well as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and other relevant aspects.
Participants are assigned to one of two groups, either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modification, supervised walking, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques to help participants maintain the intervention.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann notes studies that link the Mediterranean diet to reduced dementia risk, but stresses the need for a comprehensive approach to cognitive health and dementia prevention.
Walking, which is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline, may improve brain health by boosting brain blood flow, raising levels of brain activity, and alleviating stress, among other benefits.
