Mental acuity preservation: Adopting Mediterranean diet and an active lifestyle could offer protective benefits
Fresh Take:
The MedWalk Research Uncovers the Impact of a Combined Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Dementia
Now, here's the scoop on a fascinating study that's examining the interplay between two popular practices for maintaining cognitive health – a Mediterranean diet and regular walking. This research, nicknamed the MedWalk intervention, could potentially slash the risk of dementia and related cognitive decline. But let's dive into the details.
Researchers, hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, are navigating this uncharted territory amidst the pandemic's chaos, meticulously analyzing the data along the way. They've been publishing their processes and findings in the esteemed Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The MedWalk intervention, slated to run for a year, originally aimed to assess a participant's cognitive abilities over a 2-year period. However, COVID-19 forced some adjustments in the game plan. The follow-up duration has been pared down to a single year, and the research team is keenly recruiting a broader spectrum of participants from South Australia and Victoria.
So, what exactly is this study looking for? The researchers are eager to observe the intervention's impact on visual memory and learning in participants, as well as its influence on mood, quality of life, and health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and select biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
Participants, aged between 60 and 90, have been assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will follow a mixed diet regimen supplemented with supervised walking and behavioral change techniques. The group will benefit from a massive dose of support for the initial 6 months, with further support available for the subsequent 6 months.
But why choose this duo? Previous research suggests that a Mediterranean diet has associations with lower dementia and Alzheimer's disease cases. Likewise, walking regularly has been linked to slower cognitive decline. By combining these two proven practices, the study hopes to power up their protective effects against cognitive decline.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, an outsider to the current study, offered her insights on the Mediterranean diet's potential benefits to Medical News Today. She explained that the diet's antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids could combat cognitive damage, while its high fiber content and low processed food intake could promote a healthier gut and reduce inflammation.
Similarly, frequent walking might boost brain function, enhance cognition, and reduce stress levels. Yet, it's essential to remember that a comprehensive approach encompassing numerous factors, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and overall health, plays a significant role in determining dementia risk.
So stay tuned for updates on this exciting research! The MedWalk intervention's findings should reveal fascinating insights into the powerful duo of a Mediterranean diet and walking and their roles in maintaining our cognitive health.
- The MedWalk intervention is investigating the impact of a combined Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia, a form of cognitive decline.
- The research, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, involves scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
- Due to the pandemic, the study's follow-up duration has been shortened from two years to one year, and a broader range of participants from South Australia and Victoria is being recruited.
- Researchers aim to observe the intervention's effects on visual memory and learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and select biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
- Participants, aged between 60 and 90, have been divided into two groups: one following a Mediterranean diet supplemented with supervised walking and behavioral change techniques, and a control group.
- Combining these two practices, a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, could potentially enhance their protective effects against cognitive decline, according to the study. However, it's important to remember that genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and overall health also play significant roles in determining dementia risk.
