Preservation of Cognitive Ability: Adopting Mediterranean Diet, Regular Exercise Could Provide Protection
Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are investigating the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and walking on cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study, originally set to run for two years, has been partially completed with a follow-up period reduced to one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants aged 60-90 residing in South Australia and Victoria have been recruited, with many coming from independent living retirement communities. The study group, known as the MedWalk intervention, is a combination of dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first six months, with additional assistance available for the subsequent six months to help them adhere to the intervention.
Key features of the Mediterranean diet essential for brain health are being emphasized, such as the consumption of olive oil, specific foods, and nutrients, with participants receiving free extra-virgin olive oil and other Mediterranean diet-specific food items. An initial assessment of baseline aerobic fitness is performed, followed by group walking sessions for the first six months, transitions to monthly sessions for the remaining period.
A previous certified nutritionist specializing in Mediterranean diets, Conner Middelmann, commented that studies linking adherence to a Mediterranean diet with fewer cases of dementia have been reported. However, she cautioned against placing too much emphasis on a single preventative measure, emphasizing the role of genetics, lifestyle, and overall health in determining dementia risk.
Walking regularly is also associated with slower cognitive decline. Research suggests an inverse relationship between the number of steps taken daily and dementia risk. Walking may improve brain health by increasing blood flow, reducing stress, and incorporating social and nature elements.
The study's data collection is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023, with the researchers hopeful that the modified format of the study will yield strong findings. Further findings related to the study's progress and its impact on various physical and mental health factors will be reported upon its completion.
- Researchers are investigating the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and walking on cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
- Participants aged 60-90 are receiving intensive support for the first six months to adhere to the MedWalk intervention, which combines dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen.
- Key features of the Mediterranean diet essential for brain health are being emphasized, such as the consumption of olive oil, specific foods, and nutrients.
- Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in Mediterranean diets, commented that studies linking adherence to a Mediterranean diet with fewer cases of dementia have been reported.
- Walking regularly is also associated with slower cognitive decline, with research suggesting an inverse relationship between the number of steps taken daily and dementia risk.
- The study's data collection is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023, with the researchers hoping that the modified format of the study will yield strong findings related to fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, nutrition, healthy-diets, and brain health.
