Mental Sharpness: Adopting Mediterranean diet and staying active could potentially offer protection
Fresh Take:
Unraveling the mysteries of mind-booster combo: The MedWalk study
Researchers are delving deep into the world of brain health, attempting to discern the long-term impacts of a unique combination—a Mediterranean diet and a regular walking regimen—on cognitive decline and the risk of dementia. Unofficially dubbed the "MedWalk intervention," this intriguing study promises to shed new light on the key factors that contribute to healthy aging and preserve cognitive abilities.
Both the Mediterranean diet and regular aerobic exercise have shown promise in boosting brain health. However, the MedWalk intervention seeks to uncover the power of this potent duo and how their combined effects could potentially ward off dementia and slow cognitive decline.
Initiated by a collaborative team of scientists hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the MedWalk study paused briefly due to the COVID-19 pandemic but is currently back on track, publishing their ongoing progress in the prestigious Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The primary objective of the study is to track changes in visual memory and learning among participants over a period of 12 months. Furthermore, researchers aim to observe the intervention's influence on a myriad of aspects, including mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
The study's participants are aged 60-90 years and live in South Australia and Victoria. The research team has expanded its search for participants to the wider community as a result of the pandemic, reaching beyond independent living retirement communities.
Of particular interest to the researchers are biomarkers connected to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. Following an assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions during the initial six months, followed by monthly sessions for the rest of the 12-month study period.
Besides a Mediterranean diet and a walking routine, MedWalk intervention participants also receive intensive support and guidance on behavioral change techniques during the first six months and continued assistance for the subsequent six months to keep them on track with their new lifestyle choice.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, shared her insights with Medical News Today, stating that research indicates that following a Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia. However, Middelmann added that a healthy diet is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
As the exciting world of the MedWalk study unfolds, we eagerly await the final findings due at the end of 2023. The potential benefits of this innovative, duel-factor approach could revolutionize our understanding of how to protect our brains and, in turn, secure our cognitive health as we age.
Insights:
- It's important to note that a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been consistently linked to improved cognitive health and a reduced risk of dementia.
- Regular physical activity, such as walking, has also been shown to enhance cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and fostering neuroplasticity.
- Combining a Mediterranean diet with regular walking could potentially magnify these benefits, creating a synergistic effect, ultimately enhancing cognitive health, reducing the risk of dementia, and improving overall well-being.
- The MedWalk study investigates the long-term impacts of a combination—Mediterranean diet and regular walking—on cognitive decline and dementia risk.
- Both the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise have been associated with improved brain health; the MedWalk intervention aims to discover the combined effects of these factors in warding off dementia.
- Scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting the MedWalk study, which explores various aspects like visual memory, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Participants, aged 60-90, engage in group walks and follow a Mediterranean diet, receiving support and guidance on behavioral change techniques to maintain their new lifestyle.
- Nutritionist Conner Middelmann posits that a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of dementia, but emphasizes that a healthy diet is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
- With ongoing progress reported in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the MedWalk study could revolutionize our understanding of protecting brain health and preserving cognitive abilities.
