Protective Factors for Mental Sharpness: Adopting a Mediterranean Diet and Staying Active.
A groundbreaking study is currently underway to determine the collaborative impact of following a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular walking on the prevention of dementia and cognitive decline. The study, titled 'MedWalk', pairs the brain-boosting benefits of a Mediterranean diet with the cognitive-protective effects of walking.
Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting this study, which aims to assess the combined efficacy of these two established practices. Prior research has consistently linked both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking to improved cognitive capacity.
Due to the pandemic, the study's original 2-year timeline has been adjusted to a single year, with an expansion of the participant pool to increase statistical power. The study authors remain optimistic that the modified design will yield robust findings.
The primary focus of the study is the 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. In addition to cognition, researchers are also interested in exploring the intervention's effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and associated biomarkers linked to cognitive decline.
Participants consist of individuals aged 60-90 who reside in South Australia or Victoria. Recruitment sources include independent living retirement communities and, more recently, the broader community due to the pandemic's impact.
Every participant is assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group that maintains their regular diet and activity level. The intervention combines dietary modifications with a supervised walking regimen, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive support and guidance for the first 6 months, with ongoing assistance for the subsequent 6 months to ensure adherence.
To facilitate participants' understanding of the Mediterranean diet, the researchers provide instruction on the key differences between this diet and a typical Australian diet. Resources like free extra-virgin olive oil and other Mediterranean diet-friendly foods are also provided.
After an initial fitness assessment, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the trial year.
Previous research has shown that both following a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular walking are associated with fewer dementia cases. Studies have also suggested a link between a Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease – the most common form of dementia. However, it is essential to keep in mind that various factors can influence dementia risk, including genetics, overall health, and lifestyle.
Maintaining a healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean diet, is just one aspect of a comprehensive plan for brain health and dementia prevention.
Regular walking is also associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline. According to a study, taking 10,000 steps daily could lower the risk of dementia by 50%. Other research has revealed a connection between walking speed and dementia. Walking may protect the brain by increasing blood flow, benefiting brain activity, reducing feelings of stress, and improving feelings of well-being.
The data-collection phase of the current study is set to conclude by the end of 2023.
- Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are currently studying the collaborative impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on the prevention of dementia and cognitive decline, a project called 'MedWalk'.
- The study aims to assess the combined efficacy of these two established practices on visual memory and learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and associated biomarkers linked to cognitive decline.
- Participants, aged 60-90, consist of individuals living in South Australia or Victoria, sourced from independent living retirement communities and the broader community due to the pandemic's impact.
- Every participant is either assigned to the MedWalk intervention group or a control group that maintains their regular diet and activity level. The intervention involves dietary modifications, a supervised walking regimen, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
- Participants receive support and guidance for the first 6 months, with ongoing assistance for the subsequent 6 months to ensure adherence. Resources like free extra-virgin olive oil and Mediterranean diet-friendly foods are provided to help participants understand the Mediterranean diet.
- Walking may protect the brain by increasing blood flow, benefiting brain activity, reducing feelings of stress, and improving feelings of well-being, potentially lowering the risk of dementia. Previous research suggests that taking 10,000 steps daily could lower the dementia risk by 50%.
