Mental Wellness: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Routine Could Offer Protection
Let's Dive into the MedWalk Study
Fascinating health research is underway, scrutinizing the combined influence of a Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline. Known as the "MedWalk intervention," this combo is being analyzed by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
While both the Med diet and regular walking are known brain boosters, this study aims to confirm whether they're even more powerful when combined. The study was originally intended to span 2 years, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers have pared it down to a one-year follow-up period.
The study's focus lies primarily on observing the impact the MedWalk intervention has on participants' visual memory and learning after a 12-month period. Additionally, researchers are keen to witness its effects on mood, quality of life, cardiovascular health, and health costs.
Participants, aged 60-90, hail from South Australia and Victoria, with some recruited from independent living retirement communities and others from the wider community due to the pandemic. The study considers biomarkers related to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The MedWalk group participants are given intensive support for the first six months, then assistance for the following six months, to maintain the strict dietary modifications and walking regimen that forms the intervention. Participants follow dietary guidelines and a supervised walking schedule, with weekly group sessions followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the study.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann highlights numerous benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet, including a rich supply of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA), fiber, and low levels of processed grains and sugars. The sharing of meals with loved ones and regular exercise are other aspects tied to cognitive health in the Mediterranean diet.
Likewise, walking regularly has been linked to lower risk of dementia, improved brain health, increased blood flow, reduced stress, and feelings of well-being. This study adds to the growing body of research demonstrating the potential positive impact of integrating diet, exercise, and social interaction to stave off cognitive decline. The data collection period is set to conclude by the end of 2023.
In essence, the MedWalk study grapples with an intriguing question: Could a cross-pollination of diet and exercise offer more significant protection against cognitive decline and dementia than relying on just one method? Time will tell, but the findings from this study could shape our understanding of holistic approaches to brain health in the near future.
Quick Insights- Associations have been found between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia, lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease, improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced neuroplasticity.- Regular physical activity like walking is tied to improved cognitive performance, reduced risk of dementia, and better brain health due to promoting blood flow, reduced inflammation, and neuroplasticity.- By meshing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and walking, the MedWalk intervention might offer an even stronger shield against cognitive decline and dementia. Check back for updates from relevant health organizations or research institutions on the study's findings.
- The MedWalk study, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and walking, is investigating if this intervention could offer more significant protection against dementia and cognitive decline than relying on just one method.
- Participants in the MedWalk study, aged 60-90, follow strict dietary modifications and walking regimens over the course of a year, with support and supervision during the initial six months.
- Researchers involved in the MedWalk study are focusing on observing the impact of the intervention on participants' visual memory, learning, mood, quality of life, cardiovascular health, and health costs.
- The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low levels of processed grains and sugars, has been associated with reduced risk of dementia, lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced neuroplasticity.
- Regular walking is linked to improved cognitive performance, reduced risk of dementia, and better brain health due to promoting blood flow, reduced inflammation, and neuroplasticity.
- By merging the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and walking, the MedWalk intervention could potentially offer an even stronger shield against cognitive decline and dementia.
