Study investigates MedWalk intervention for cognitive health and potential dementia reduction
Adequate brain health: Preserving cognitive abilities through Mediterranean eating habits and active living.
Curious about whether a lifestyle change can decrease the risk of cognitive decline and dementia? Researchers are conducting a study to find out if the "MedWalk intervention" - a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking - can make a difference.
Here's the lowdown on the ongoing study.
The quest for smarter aging
The MedWalk intervention is all about boosting brain health and safeguarding against dementias like Alzheimer's. It consists of a Mediterranean diet and walking, which have separately been associated with positive effects on the brain in previous research.
Sadly, the study's progress has been slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the researchers have shared their processes and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The durability of valuable insights
Originally planned to last 2 years, the study has now been trimmed down to a single year due to financial constraints and pandemic challenges. The research team is confident that this shorter follow-up period will still yield meaningful findings.
The primary focus is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for the participants. However, the team is also interested in observing the combined intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers connected to cognitive decline.
Engaging participants from the community
Participants in the study, aged between 60 and 90 and living in South Australia and Victoria, were originally drawn from independent living retirement communities. In light of the pandemic, additional participants were also recruited from the larger community.
To help the participants understand the Mediterranean diet's principles, they receive guidance on the differences between this way of eating and a typical Australian diet. Extra-virgin olive oil, crucial for the Mediterranean diet, is even provided for free. After assessing each participant's baseline aerobic fitness, they engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the study.
What's the link between a Mediterranean Diet and brain health?
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann emphasized that While a Mediterranean diet has been connected to fewer cases of dementia, it's crucial to remember that several factors can influence dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Middelmann attributed the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet to its richness in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low processed grains and sugars - components that can collectively promote brain health and deter cognitive decline.
Boosting brain power with walking
Walking regularly has also been tied to slower cognitive decline. A previous study found a correlation between the number of steps taken per day and the risk of dementia, with 10,000 steps per day lowering the risk by 50%. Other research suggests walking may enhance brain blood flow, boost levels of brain activity, and lower feelings of stress while improving overall well-being.
In short, the MedWalk intervention study is seeking to unearth the combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and walking on brain health and dementia prevention. Although preliminary findings might not be publicly available at this stage, any results from this research could potentially add to the current body of evidence advocating for lifestyle changes as a means to combat cognitive decline. Keep an eye on academic journals or the official website of the study for updates.
- The ongoing study investigates if a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, known as the MedWalk intervention, can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's.
- The MedWalk intervention focuses on boosting brain health and safeguarding against dementias, as both the Mediterranean diet and walking have previously shown positive effects on the brain.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study's progress has been slowed down but the researchers have shared their processes and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
- Despite being initially planned to last 2 years, the study has been trimmed down to a single year due to financial constraints and pandemic challenges, with the research team still confident that this shorter follow-up period will yield meaningful findings.
- The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for the participants, but the team is also interested in observing the combined intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
- Participants, aged between 60 and 90 and living in South Australia and Victoria, receive guidance on the Mediterranean diet, extra-virgin olive oil is provided for free, and they engage in group walking sessions, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the study.
