Maintaining Brain Health: The Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise Could Offer Protective Benefits
Research Investigates Combined Effect of Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Researchers are examining the potential of a combined approach, dubbed the "MedWalk intervention," to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's dementia. The study, currently underway, involves participants following a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular walking.
The MedWalk intervention is a combination of dietary modifications and a supervised walking routine, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support during the initial six months, with additional assistance offered for the next six months to help them maintain their diet and exercise routine.
Originally designed to monitor cognitive changes over a two-year period, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated reducing the study follow-up period to one year. Researchers aim to gather sufficiently strong findings despite the modified study design.
Authors from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting the study, with data on their processes and ongoing analysis already published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. In addition, the researchers are observing potential benefits for mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
The participants, aged between 60 and 90, are from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, with some recruited from the larger community due to pandemic circumstances. Special attention is paid to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Previous research has linked both a Mediterranean diet and regular walking to brain health. Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, noted to Medical News Today that studies suggest that following the diet may lower the risk of dementia.
Researchers believe that adhering to the MedWalk intervention may offer cognitive health benefits through various mechanisms, including a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lean proteins, which combat oxidative stress, inflammation, improve gut microbiome balance, reduce insulin resistance, and lower the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Similarly, walking regularly is believed to deliver cognitive benefits, potentially by increasing brain blood flow, enhancing brain activity, reducing feelings of stress, and incorporating social elements and exposure to nature.
Studies suggest a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and reducing the risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps a day lowering the risk by 50%.
While the data-collection period for the ongoing MedWalk intervention study will be completed by the end of 2023, the initial observations have revealed promising benefits for cognitive health. Preliminary findings suggest improved cognitive function, slowed cognitive decline, enhanced brain health biomarkers, and high adherence to the intervention, offering hope for preventive strategies for dementia.
- Researchers are investigating the MedWalk intervention, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, to potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's.
- The study, conducted by authors from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, involves participants aged between 60 and 90 following a Mediterranean diet and engaging in regular walking for improved cognitive health.
- Previous research has linked both the Mediterranean diet and regular walking to better mental health, with studies suggesting that following the diet may lower the risk of dementia.
- The MedWalk intervention is designed to offer cognitive health benefits through various mechanisms, such as improving gut microbiome balance, reducing insulin resistance, and lowering the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
- Walking regularly is believed to deliver cognitive benefits, potentially by increasing brain blood flow, enhancing brain activity, reducing feelings of stress, and incorporating social elements and exposure to nature.
- Preliminary findings from the ongoing MedWalk intervention study indicate improved cognitive function, slowed cognitive decline, enhanced brain health biomarkers, and high adherence to the intervention, offering hope for preventive strategies for dementia.
