Mental acuity preservation: Adherence to Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity may offer protective benefits
Researchers are exploring whether a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, dubbed the "MedWalk intervention," could have protective effects against dementia and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease, among older adults. The study, known as the "Walking and Mediterranean Dietary Intervention for Prevention of Cognitive Decline" (WADIC), is being conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Initially set to observe participants over two years, the study's timeline has been adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with follow-up now taking place over a single year. Participants, aged 60 to 90, have been recruited from retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, while some have been enrolled from the wider community due to pandemic restrictions.
The MedWalk intervention aims to assess whether following such a lifestyle regimen could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various forms of dementia. The intervention consists of dietary modification and a supervised walking routine, bolstered by psychosocial behavioral change strategies. Participants receive intensive support during the first six months, with additional help available for the following six months to help them maintain their adherence to the program.
Researchers have provided guidance on how the Mediterranean diet differs from a typical Australian diet to help participants better understand the approach. As part of the MedWalk intervention, participants receive extra-virgin olive oil for free, a key component of the Mediterranean diet.
Past research has indicated that both the Mediterranean diet and regular walking are associated with brain health. While these studies suggest a link between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia, experts caution that multiple factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, can contribute to dementia risk. Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, an independent expert, stated to Medical News Today that the Mediterranean diet's benefits for cognitive health may be attributable to its antioxidant content, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber content, and reduced reliance on processed foods.
Regular walking has also been linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline. One study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps a day lowering the risk by half. Other research has shown a connection between walking speed and dementia. Brain health coach Ryan Glatt explained that walking may improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow, boosting brain activity, reducing stress, and offering mental stimulation through social and natural environments.
Data collection for the WADIC study is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, and the researchers have published details about their processes and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. The primary focus of the study is examining changes in visual memory and learning over a 12-month period. Areas of interest beyond cognitive function include mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness. The authors are also studying biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
- The "Walking and Mediterranean Dietary Intervention for Prevention of Cognitive Decline" (WADIC) study, focusing on older adults, aims to determine if a combination of these two lifestyle changes could lessen the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease.
- Initially set to run for two years, the WADIC study's timeline has been altered due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with follow-ups now taking place over a single year.
- The Mediterranean diet, which differs from a typical Australian diet, is a key component of the MedWalk intervention, and participants receive extra-virgin olive oil as part of the regimen.
- Researchers are looking at the potential effects of the MedWalk intervention on aspects beyond cognitive function, such as mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
- The benefits of the Mediterranean diet for cognitive health may be due to its high antioxidant content, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and reduced dependency on processed foods.
- Regular walking, according to brain health coach Ryan Glatt, could potentially improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow, boosting brain activity, reducing stress, and providing mental stimulation through social and natural environments, contributing to the protective effects against dementia and cognitive decline.
