Maintaining Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Could Offer Protection
Researchers are investigating the MedWalk intervention to find out if it can lower the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's. The MedWalk intervention consists of following a Mediterranean diet and a regular walking regimen. This combo is packed with psychosocial behavioral change techniques for support.
The study, initiated by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, started before the COVID-19 pandemic, but paused due to its impact. Despite the interruption, the authors published their methods and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
As the study is ongoing, the authors primarily focus on observing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, but they're also interested in its impact on a wide range of aspects. These include mood, quality of life, healthcare costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Participants for the study are 60 to 90-year-old individuals residing in South Australia and Victoria, Australia. The study initially targeted independent living retirement communities but expanded the pool due to the pandemic.
The researchers monitor biomarkers associated with cognitive decline such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants are divided into either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The intervention involves dietary modifications alongside a supervised walking program, starting with intensive support for the first 6 months, followed by further support for the next 6 months.
Though the study was initially intended to run for 2 years, adjustments have been made due to the pandemic, reducing the follow-up period to a single year.
Certified Med diet nutritionist Conner Middelmann noted that previous studies have linked following a Mediterranean diet to lower dementia cases and rates of Alzheimer's disease. While these findings suggest a connection, Middelmann emphasized that numerous factors can influence dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
Regular walking is also linked to slower cognitive decline. A study found that taking 10,000 steps a day reduces the risk of dementia by 50%. Walking might benefit brain health by increasing blood flow, improving brain activity, reducing stress, and providing exposure to nature.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt stated that walking may improve cognitive function by boosting blood flow, benefiting brain activity, and reducing stress levels while improving overall well-being. Walking also offers social and nature-related benefits, which could contribute to improved brain function.
The data-collection period for the study will finish in 2023. Future findings from this ongoing research may help establish definitive facts about the effectiveness of the MedWalk intervention on cognitive decline and dementia.
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of following a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being researched to determine if it can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
- The study, initiated by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, is examining a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, as well as its impact on mood, quality of life, healthcare costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and more.
- Participants in the study are 60 to 90-year-old individuals residing in South Australia and Victoria, Australia, and the study initially targeted independent living retirement communities but expanded due to the pandemic.
- The researchers monitor biomarkers associated with cognitive decline such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
- Participants are divided into either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level, with the intervention involving dietary modifications alongside a supervised walking program.
- Future findings from this ongoing research may help establish definitive facts about the effectiveness of the MedWalk intervention on cognitive decline and dementia, as previous studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to lower dementia cases and rates of Alzheimer's disease, and regular walking to slower cognitive decline.
