Informal Take on the MedWalk Study: A Mind-Boosting Venture
Dietary and Lifestyle Choices Potentially Preserve Cognitive Health: Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity May Offer Benefits
A badass, groundbreaking study called MedWalk is rolling up its sleeves to explore the superpower combo of a Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline. This badass duo has already been linked to brain health, but now they're about to collaborate like never before!
The goal? To discover if these two powerhouses, when joined forces, can reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline and dementia, including good ol' Alzheimer's. The MedWalk intervention combines a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, with psychosocial behavioral change techniques to truly kick this research up a notch.
This mammoth study is being led by a team of Aussies, Kiwis, and Brits, who've already published their nitty-gritty procedures and ongoing analysis in the prestigious Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Due to COVID-19, they've made some tweaks to the original 2-year follow-up period, scaling it back to a year, and welcoming a larger pool of participants to join the party.
The researchers are laser-focused on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. But they're just as interested in how MedWalk impacts mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and overall brain health.
This study is targeting boomers (60 to 90-year-olds) who rock the Australian retirement community scene. However, thanks to COVID-19, they've opened up thedoors to a wider audience from the locals as well. Special attention will be given to biomarkers such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The participants are divided into two groups: the MedWalk intervention group and the control group. The intervention group follows dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen,supported by intensive guidance for the first 6 months, and lighter support for the next 6 months. The control group maintains their usual diet and activity level.
Certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, revealed to Medical News Today that numerous studies suggest a link between the Mediterranean diet and fewer dementia cases. Moreover, in 2023, other studies found an association between the Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia.
Conner highlighted that while these studies propose a link between the Mediterranean diet and reduced dementia risk, other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health should also be considered. In a nutshell, a healthy diet is just one piece of the puzzle in the quest for optimal brain health and dementia prevention.
The Mediterranean diet may support brain health through several avenues:
- Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are thought to contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), essential for brain health.
- High in fiber for a balanced gut microbiome.
- Low in processed grains, sugars, and ultra-processed foods linked to dementia.
- Social elements like family dinners and regular exercise, often associated with better brain health.
Walking regularly is another brain booster, with studies showing slower cognitive decline related to the number of steps taken. One study found that hitting 10,000 steps every day cut the risk of dementia in half! A study by Ryan Glatt, a brain health coach from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, explains that walking might increase brain blood flow, boost brain activity, reduce stress, and provide other cognitive benefits.
The MedWalk study's data collection is set to wrap up by the end of 2023. Bye-bye dementia, hello cognitive health!
- The MedWalk study, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and walking, is investigating its potential to reduce cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's.
- The study targets boomers and has recently expanded its participant pool due to COVID-19 restrictions, focusing on biomarkers like glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
- Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist, supports the idea that the Mediterranean diet is linked to fewer dementia cases and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease.
- The Mediterranean diet's benefits for brain health may stem from its antioxidant content, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, social elements, and anti-dementia properties.
- Regular walking is another brain booster, as studies indicate that increased steps can slow cognitive decline and potentially cut the risk of dementia in half.
- Mental health professionals like Ryan Glatt suggest that walking can increase brain blood flow, boost brain activity, reduce stress, and provide other cognitive benefits, contributing to overall health and wellness, fitness and exercise, and mental health.
