Healthy Cognition: Adopting Mediterranean diet and an active lifestyle potentially offers cognitive protection.
A groundbreaking research project, named the "MedWalk Study," is currently underway, examining the combined impact of adhering to a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline.
- Both the Mediterranean diet and walking regularly have been associated with enhanced brain health, and this study aims to establish the benefits of their combined effect.
- The MedWalk Study, headed by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, was initially designed to run for two years, observing cognitive changes over that period.
COVID-19 interruptions have necessitated alterations, such as shortening the follow-up period to a single year and expanding the participant group. The study continues, with data on ongoing processes and analysis published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Understanding the MedWalk Intervention
The primary goal of the MedWalk intervention is to investigate its potential for lowering the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
The research team believes that the intervention may result in improved visual memory and learning for participants over a 12-month period.
In addition to observing cognitive effects, the study also aims to assess the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Subjects within the study range in age from 60 to 90 and hail from South Australia and Victoria, recruited from retirement communities and the wider community due to the pandemic's impact.
Researchers are focusing on specific biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants are divided into two groups: the MedWalk intervention group and a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
The intervention involves dietary modification paired with a supervised walking regimen, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support during the initial six months, with ongoing assistance available for the following six months.
To help participants understand the Mediterranean diet concept, researchers are providing resources and instruction, such as free olive oil and other foods. After assessing participants' baseline aerobic fitness, they engage in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the study.
The Synergy of Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Health
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in the Mediterranean diet, told Medical News Today that previous research[5][6][7] suggests that a Mediterranean diet is associated with fewer cases of dementia.
While a Mediterranean diet appears to be beneficial for cognitive health, it's essential to consider other factors, like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, that influence the risk of developing dementia. Middelmann emphasized that maintaining a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is only one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Middelmann attributes the Mediterranean diet's potential benefits to its high antioxidant content, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber-rich menu, low processed grains and sugars, and discouragement of ultra-processed foods.
Social elements such as sharing meals with family and friends and regular exercise are also considered beneficial for brain health.
The Power of Walking for Cognitive Health
Walking regularly is associated with reduced cognitive decline. A recent study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the risk of dementia, showing that taking 10,000 steps a day could lower the risk of developing dementia by 50%.
Walking may improve brain health by increasing blood flow, enhancing brain activity, reducing stress, and incorporating social and natural elements.
By the end of 2023, the study's data collection period is expected to be completed.
The MedWalk Study hypothesizes that the combined impact of following a Mediterranean diet and regular walking could lead to a lower risk of cognitive decline and various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.The study, which initially ran for two years, has been adjusted due to COVID-19 disruptions, now tracking participants for a single year and increasing the participant pool.The research team anticipates improved visual memory and learning in participants following the 12-month intervention.Study subjects, ranging from 60 to 90 years old, are recruited from South Australia and Victoria, with many sourced from retirement communities due to the pandemic's impact.The intervention focuses on biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann reported that previous research suggests a Mediterranean diet could lower dementia cases, attributing potential benefits to the diet's high antioxidant content, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber-rich food, low processed grains and sugars, and discouragement of ultra-processed foods.
