Mental Sharpness Preservation: Embracing Mediterranean Eats and Active Lifestyle as Protection
Setting the Scene: A fascinating exploration is underway, delving into the potential synergy of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking to combat dementia and cognitive decline. Dubbed the "MedWalk" intervention, this study aims to bolster brain health by leveraging the renowned benefits of both diet and exercise.
The Lowdown: Research has consistently highlighted the positive effects of both a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity on cognitive function and cardiovascular health. However, this study sets out to uncover whether the combined impact of these lifestyle choices might provide additional or amplified benefits.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: This groundbreaking study, led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, has ironically been influenced by the unexpected event of the COVID-19 pandemic. Published details of the study's methodology and ongoing analysis can be found in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Making the Cut: The primary focus of the study is the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Additionally, the research team is keen to observe the intervention's impact on several other factors, such as mood, quality of life, and health-related costs, alongside cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
Who's Involved: The study is recruiting participants aged 60-90 from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, as well as the wider community due to the pandemic's influence. Attention is being given to crucial markers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The Scoop: Participants are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The intervention itself combines dietary modifications with a supervised walking regimen and psychosocial behavioral change techniques, offering intensive support for the first 6 months and continued help for the subsequent 6 months.
Fuel Up: Instruction is provided to help participants understand the Mediterranean diet's principles, with free extra-virgin olive oil and other items offered to facilitate adherence. Participants' baseline aerobic fitness is assessed, followed by group walking sessions for the initial 6 months, with monthly sessions for the remaining duration of the study.
Preventing Dementia: Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, suggested that multiple studies have indicated a link between the Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia. However, she cautioned that genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play essential roles in determining the risk of dementia.
Why the Mediterranean Diet Matters: Middelmann explained how the Mediterranean diet's antioxidants combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are thought to contribute significantly to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Other benefits include increased omega-3 fatty acids, better gut microbiome balance, lower risks of insulin resistance and inflammation, and fewer ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to dementia.
Stepping Forward: Regular walking has also been associated with slower cognitive decline. A study found that taking 10,000 steps a day reduced the risk of dementia by 50%. Walking may boost brain health by increasing blood flow, improving brain activity, reducing stress, and incorporating social and natural elements.
The Outlook: The study's data collection period will be completed by the end of 2023, opening the door to exciting discoveries and potential further research in this area. The promise of the MedWalk intervention lies in its holistic approach to enhancing cognitive health, and the scientific community eagerly anticipates the findings.
- The MedWalk intervention, aimed at boosting brain health, leverages the renowned benefits of both a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise.
- Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are leading this study, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Participants aged 60-90, from independent living retirement communities and the wider community, are recruited for this 12-month study.
- The primary focus is the change in visual memory and learning for participants, but the study also examines the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, and health-related costs.
- The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modifications with a supervised walking regimen and psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
- Instruction is provided to help participants understand the Mediterranean diet's principles and facilitate adherence, with free extra-virgin olive oil and other items offered.
- Studies indicate a link between the Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's, but genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play essential roles in determining the risk.
- Regular walking has been associated with slower cognitive decline, reducing the risk of dementia by 50%, and may improve brain health by increasing blood flow, improving brain activity, reducing stress, and incorporating social and natural elements. By the end of 2023, the study's data collection period will be completed, opening the door to exciting discoveries and potential further research.
