Maintaining cognitive health: Adopting a Mediterranean diet and leading an active lifestyle might offer protective benefits.
Fascinating Exploration on the Synergistic Impact of Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Cognitive Health
Scientist squads from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are on a mission to unravel whether embracing the "MedWalk lifestyle" will slash the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's. "MedWalk" is just a hip way of saying "Mediterranean diet" and "walking."
Previously, research has hinted at the brain-boosting benefits of both a Mediterranean diet and old-school strolling. This new study is banking on the double power of the MedWalk lifestyle.
Unfortunately, the study has been hit hard by COVID-19, but the researchers have managed to publish their strategies and ongoing analyses in the esteemed Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Initially designed to assess cognition over 2 years, the research is now adjusting to a 1-year follow-up period due to timing and finances woes caused by the pandemic.
Those 60 to 90 years old living in South Australia and Victoria are the decision-makers in this study. Recruitment comes from independent living retirement communities, with some individuals also joining from the larger community due to the pandemic's influence.
The researchers are keeping a keen eye on biomarkers connected with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. Participants are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
The MedWalk intervention combines dietary changes with a supervised strolling routine, supplemented with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. To aid in their adventure, participants receive intensive support for the first six months, ensuring they stay focused, followed by additional help for the next six months to help them keep the ball rolling.
Participants receive guidance on the nuances of a Mediterranean diet to help them grasp the concept. For instance, the researchers are offering free extra-virgin olive oil since it's a staple in the Mediterranean diet, along with other Mediterranean fare. Post-baseline aerobic fitness checks, participants engage in group strolling sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, shed some light on the potential link between the Mediterranean diet and cognitive health. Previous research implies that adhering to a Mediterranean diet could lower the risk of dementia, although other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health may also play a role.
Walking may be another secret weapon in the fight against cognitive decline. The number of steps taken daily has been found to be dose-dependent and linked to reduced dementia risk. In fact, taking 10,000 steps a day could potentially slash dementia risk by half.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute explains that walking may improve brain health by increasing blood flow, promoting neuroplasticity, reducing stress levels, and incorporating social and natural elements—all vital for brain health. Stay tuned for more updates on the MedWalk intervention study's findings, which will be completed by the end of 2023.
*Quick insights:- The Mediterranean diet is rich in nutrients that protect against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.- Regular physical activity like walking improves cognitive function and reduces dementia risk.- Combining a Mediterranean diet with regular walking could synergistically enhance brain health and help prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
- The study, focused on the synergistic impact of the Mediterranean diet and walking on cognitive health, is being conducted by scientist squads from various countries.
- The MedWalk lifestyle, a combination of Mediterranean diet and walking, is being researched for its potential to lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's.
- Biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress, are being monitored in the study.
- Participants in the study are either assigned to the MedWalk intervention group, which combines dietary changes with a supervised walking routine, or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
- The MedWalk intervention includes guidance on the Mediterranean diet, free extra-virgin olive oil, and group strolling sessions, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
- According to Conner Middelmann, adhering to a Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of dementia, and walking may improve brain health by increasing blood flow, promoting neuroplasticity, reducing stress levels, and incorporating social and natural elements.
