Brain health: Consuming Mediterranean diet and maintaining an active lifestyle might provide protection
Study Investigates Combined Effect of a Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Researchers are currently examining whether a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, referred to as the "MedWalk intervention," can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
Research, previously linking both the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, such as walking, to improved brain health, inspires this new study. By assessing the combined benefits of these two practices, it aims to validate the advantage of adopting the MedWalk intervention.
This research, driven by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is ongoing, albeit temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the global health crisis disrupted the original 2-year timeline, the researchers have documented their procedures and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The trial originally designed to monitor cognitive changes over a 2-year period now aims for a single-year follow-up after modifications due to COVID-19's timing and financial impact. The research will carry on, targeting a broader range of participants.
The primary focus of the researchers is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. Beyond this, they are also interested in observing the impact on parameters like mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as essential components like cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
Participants, aged 60-90, hail from South Australia and Victoria, recruited from independent living retirement communities. Due to the pandemic, the research team expanded recruitment to the general population as well.
The study highlights biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. Participants are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their existing diet and activity levels.
The intervention involves dietary modifications alongside a guided walking program fortified with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive comprehensive support for the initial 6 months, with continued assistance available over the subsequent 6 months to help maintain adherence to the program.
Researchers demonstrate the principles of a Mediterranean diet’s differences compared to a typical Australian diet, ensuring participants grasp the concept behind such a eating pattern. Free extra-virgin olive oil and other foods are provided to participants to facilitate this new lifestyle change.
After an evaluation of baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the 12-month period.
Previous research, conducted in various countries, has suggested that adhering to a Mediterranean diet is associated with fewer cases of dementia and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, an expert in the Mediterranean diet who is unconnected to the MedWalk study, highlighted these discoveries to Medical News Today.
Middelmann emphasized that various factors can influence dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Thus, she stressed that maintaining a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, not involved with this research, also noted a link between walking regularly and slower cognitive decline. According to Glatt, walking benefits brain health by increasing blood flow, boosting brain activity, reducing feelings of stress while improving overall well-being, and incorporating social and natural elements.
The data-collection phase of the current study is slated to conclude by the end of 2023. The potential advantages of the combined MedWalk intervention for cognitive health and dementia prevention remain to be confirmed when the study results are published.
- The MedWalk intervention, combining a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is currently being studied for its potential to reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's.
- This research is driven by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, who aim to validate the advantage of adopting the MedWalk intervention.
- Despite being temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study is documenting procedures and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
- The primary focus of the researchers is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants, but they are also interested in observing the impact on parameters like mood, quality of life, and health costs.
- Participants, aged 60-90, are recruited from independent living retirement communities and are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group.
- Apart from dietary modifications and a guided walking program, participants also receive comprehensive support and free extra-virgin olive oil to facilitate this new lifestyle change.
