Improved Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Physical Activity May Offer Protection
A comprehensive research study investigates the combined effect of the Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline, aiming to identify a potential intervention to reduce the risk of these conditions. Referred to as the "MedWalk intervention," this study evaluates the combined benefits of both elements on brain health.
Previous research has linked both Mediterranean diets and regular walking to positive effects on cognitive functioning. The ongoing MedWalk study, led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, seeks to build upon this evidence by assessing the combined impact on brain health and dementia, specifically Alzheimer's dementia.
Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the study's original follow-up period of two years has been reduced to one year, with a wider participant sample being recruited. Data from the study's processes and analysis has already been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The primary focus of the researchers is the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participating individuals. In addition to this primary outcome, the study will observe the intervention's effect on mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
Participants in the study are 60-to-90-year-old individuals residing in the Australian states of South Australia and Victoria, recruited from both independent living retirement communities and the larger community due to the pandemic. Researchers pay particular attention to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The MedWalk intervention encompasses dietary modification and supervised walking, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support during the first six months, with additional help available throughout the remaining six months to ensure adherence to the plan. Researchers offer guidance on the Mediterranean diet, providing extra-virgin olive oil and other foods key to the eating style. After an initial assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in the Mediterranean diet, told Medical News Today that studies have found a correlation between following the Mediterranean diet and fewer cases of dementia. Middelmann noted, however, that many factors can contribute to dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Accordingly, Middelmann emphasized that a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is only one facet of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Regular walking is associated with slower cognitive decline and may be beneficial in various ways. It may improve brain blood flow, enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, and provide social and environmental benefits. The current study's data-collection period is expected to end by the end of 2023. If successful, the findings of this study could lead to valuable insights for developing lifestyle interventions to promote cognitive health and prevent dementia.
- The MedWalk intervention, combining the Mediterranean diet and walking, is under investigation to assess its potential impact on dementia and cognitive decline, specifically Alzheimer's dementia.
- The study, led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is focused on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, in addition to examining mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
- Participants, aged 60 to 90, are being recruited from independent living retirement communities and the larger community in South Australia and Victoria, with an emphasis on those who adhere to the dietary modifications and supervised walking.
- The Mediterranean diet, as part of the MedWalk intervention, includes intensive support during the first six months and provides guidance on the use of extra-virgin olive oil and foods key to the eating style.
- Following an initial aerobic fitness assessment, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the study, which ends by the end of 2023.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann emphasized that while following a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is an essential aspect of dementia prevention, it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes mental health, nutrition, fitness, and exercise, and considers factors such as genetics and lifestyle.
