Mental Sharpness: Adopting Mediterranean Eating Habits and Regular Activity Could Offer Protection
MedWalking for Brain Health
Researchers are pouring over the effects of a new lifestyle intervention called MedWalk on cognitive health, an approach that blends the Mediterranean diet with regular exercise. This investigation aims to uncover if this unique combination can lower the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's dementia.
Both the Mediterranean diet and exercise have been linked to benefits for brain health. However, this study seeks to shed light on the synergistic impact of these two elements.
Collaborators from Down Under and across the pond are behind this ongoing study, which faced a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers have published their methods and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
For this research, participants range from 60 to 90 years old and are based in South Australia and Victoria. They've been recruited from retirement communities and, thanks to the pandemic, from the larger community as well.
The team is primarily interested in tracking changes in visual memory and learning over the course of a year. Additionally, they'll observe the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
MedWalk intervention participants are following dietary modifications and a structured walking program, supported by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. They'll receive help during the first six months with additional support on offer for the following six months.
To understand theMedWalk approach, participants have been informed about the differences between the Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet. Being on the right track has never been easier, as researchers are offering free extra-virgin olive oil to encourage adoption of this essential Mediterranean diet ingredient.
After assessing participants' aerobic fitness, they begin group walking sessions for six months, followed by monthly gatherings for the rest of the year.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in the Mediterranean diet, explained to Medical News Today that previous studies suggested following a Mediterranean diet was associated with fewer cases of dementia. Other studies have found links between this diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. However, factors aside from diet may contribute to dementia risk, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Middelmann highlights that the Mediterranean diet may combat cognitive decline in several ways. Its antioxidant content combats oxidative stress and inflammation, critical contributors to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), crucial for brain health. Middelmann notes that omega-3s have been linked to improved cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline. The Mediterranean diet is high in fiber, keeping the gut microbiome balanced, and low in processed grains, sugars, and ultra-processed foods, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.
Walking regularly may protect cognitive health as well. Research demonstrates a link between the number of steps taken and reduced dementia risk. In one study, taking 10,000 steps a day lowered the risk by 50%. Walker beware: while walking may improve brain health in numerous ways - increased blood flow, mental stimulation, stress reduction, and improvements in feelings of well-being - finding the motivation to get moving can sometimes be challenging. Consult an expert to boost your motivation and reap the rewards of a smarter mind.
When it comes to the data-collection period, we're nearing the finish line, so stay tuned for the final result!
- The ongoing study, MedWalk, combines the Mediterranean diet with regular exercise to investigate if this unique combination can lower the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's dementia.
- The research, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, seeks to shed light on the synergistic impact of the Mediterranean diet and exercise on brain health.
- Participants, ranging from 60 to 90 years old, are following dietary modifications and a structured walking program as part of the MedWalk intervention.
- The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber, is believed to combat cognitive decline and protect brain health.
- Regular walking, shown to reduce dementia risk, improves brain health by increasing blood flow, providing mental stimulation, reducing stress, and improving feelings of well-being.
- While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention, following a Mediterranean diet and regular walking can contribute significantly to lowering the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
