Protective Effects on Mental Health: Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Could Be Beneficial
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Introducing the MedWalk Revolution:A Breakthrough Study Combing Diet and Exercise for Brain Health
The research community is buzzing with excitement as a groundbreaking study embarks on investigating whether a life dedicated to the MedWalk intervention could be the key to beating cognitive decline and dementia, like Alzheimer's. MedWalk is a unique blend of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, two practices known to boost brain health.
Scientists from three leading countries - Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom - are spearheading the ambitious project, with the long-term goal of uncovering the powerful combination's benefits for brain health and dementia prevention. Delayed by the global pandemic, the study rides the wave of promising preliminary findings and presses on, with data published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Originally designed with a 2-year observation period, the research was modified to a one-year follow-up due to timing and financial considerations caused by the pandemic. Despite the adjustments, the researchers are optimistic that the modified study will still furnish robust findings.
The scientists' primary focus lies in pinpointing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. However, they also seek to observe the intervention's impact on various aspects, such as mood, quality of life, and health costs, in addition to cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
The MedWalk intervention study recruits participants within the 60-to-90 age range who reside in South Australia or Victoria, Australia. The group was initially limited to independent living retirement communities; however, with the advent of the pandemic, individuals from the wider community are also joining the study to participate.
Awareness remains heightened on biomarkers indicative of cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. The participants are then divided into two groups: the MedWalk intervention group and a control group that preserves their regular diet and exercise routine.
The MedWalk intervention includes both dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, bolstered with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. For the first six months, participants receive an intensive support system, with additional help available for the following six months. Guidance on the Mediterranean diet differs from a typical Australian diet is provided to ensure a full understanding of nutritional guidelines. Key elements such as extra-virgin olive oil are supplied to facilitate the dietary transformation.
Following an assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants attend group walking sessions for the initial six months, followed by monthly sessions for the rest of the trial year.
Mediterranean Diet and Brain Health - A Powerhouse of Nutrients
Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, shared her insights on the diet's potential for dementia prevention with Medical News Today.
Studies suggest that a Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased rates of dementia. For instance, in one study, researchers found that following this eating plan lowered the risk of dementia by approximately 30%. Other studies offer evidence of a link between the Mediterranean diet and a lower rate of Alzheimer's disease, the leading type of dementia.
However, Middelmann stresses that dementia risk is influenced by multiple factors and that maintaining a healthy diet is just one essential element of a comprehensive brain-health strategy.
Middelmann breaks down the diet's brain-protective elements:
- brimming with antioxidants that fend off harmful oxidative stress and inflammation
- rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), essential for brain health and linked to enhanced cognitive function and reduced risk of cognitive decline
- high in fiber for a balanced gut microbiome, lower inflammation, and reduced risk of insulin resistance
- relatively low in processed grains, sugars, and unhealthy fats that promote inflammation and cognitive dysfunction
- promotes the avoidance of ultra-processed foods shown to contribute to dementia
The social aspects of sharing meals with family and friends and regular exercise are also tightly intertwined with brain health in the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The Power of Walking - A Simple, Effective Tool for Brain Health
maintaining an active lifestyle, particularly regular walking, is equally important in supporting brain health and preventing dementia.
One study revealed a dose-dependent relationship between the number of daily steps taken and the reduced risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps per day potentially reducing the risk by 50%.
Research suggests that walking has a multitude of benefits for brain health:
- increasing blood flow to the brain, improving cognition
- boosting overall brain activity
- decreasing feelings of stress, improving well-being
Walking's social and natural elements may also positively impact cognitive health.
The current study's data collection phase will be concluded by the end of 2023, leaving the research community and the public eagerly awaiting the final findings.
Stay tuned for new developments in this exciting and promising study!
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being investigating to determine if it could potentially reverse cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's.
- Scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are leading this ambitious study, aiming to uncover the benefits of this unique intervention for brain health and dementia prevention.
- Despite being initially designed for a two-year observation period, the study was modified due to the pandemic to a one-year follow-up, with researchers remaining optimistic about the findings.
- The focus of the study is on the 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants, as well as the intersection's impact on mood, quality of life, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and health costs.
- The MedWalk revolution study is recruiting participants aged 60-90 from South Australia or Victoria, with residents of independent living retirement communities initially participating; however, individuals from the wider community are now also joining.
- In the modified MedWalk intervention, participants are divided into two groups: those following the MedWalk intervention and a control group maintaining their regular diet and exercise routine.
- The MedWalk intervention includes both dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, supported by psychosocial behavioral change techniques for the first six months, followed by additional help for the subsequent six months.
- Adhering to the Mediterranean diet guidelines is crucial for the dietary aspect of the MedWalk intervention, with emphasized elements such as extra-virgin olive oil being supplied to facilitate dietary transformation.
- As the data collection phase of the study is planned to be completed by the end of 2023, all eyes will be on the final findings, promising breakthroughs in the realm of brain health, mental health, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and healthy diets.
