Preservation of Mental Acuity: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle could potentially serve as safeguards
The "MedWalk" study is currently underway, investigating a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking to potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia.
This study aims to confirm the benefits of this combination, building on evidence suggesting that both the Mediterranean diet and walking have separate associations with brain health.
The researchers face challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but their processes and ongoing analysis are detailed in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The "MedWalk" Intervention
Originally designed to last 2 years, the study has been modified to run for only one year, following a wider group of participants from South Australia and Victoria, Australia.
The participants are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention or a control group that maintains their usual diet and activity level.
The MedWalk intervention involves dietary modifications and a supervised walking program with psychosocial behavioral changes. Participants receive support for six months, with continued help available during the remaining six months to ensure ongoing compliance.
The Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Health
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann states that previously conducted studies hint at a lower risk of dementia when following a Mediterranean diet. Studies in 2022 and 2023 also found an association between the Mediterranean diet and reduced Alzheimer's disease rates.
However, Middelmann stresses that while these studies propose a link between the Mediterranean diet and reduced dementia risk, other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health must also be considered.
The Mediterranean diet improves brain health by:- Combat oxidative stress and inflammation- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve cognitive function- High fiber content supporting a healthy gut microbiome- Reduced risk of insulin resistance and inflammation- Lower consumption of ultra-processed foods, linked to dementia
Finally, Middelmann notes that sharing meals with family and friends and regular exercise are other vital aspects of the Mediterranean diet promoting cognitive health.
The Role of Walking in Cognitive Health
Regular walking is linked to reduced cognitive decline as well. A study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 daily steps lowering the risk by half.
Walking benefits cognitive health in several ways, such as by increasing brain blood flow, improving levels of brain activity, reducing stress, and incorporating social and natural elements.
The MedWalk study's data collection period will end by the end of 2023.
Enrichment Data:
MedWalk Intervention Study, Overview
The MedWalk intervention study combines two lifestyle strategies, the Mediterranean diet and walking, to potentially lower the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline. It involves a Mediterranean diet and regular, moderate-intensity walking sessions, often part of community-based groups or personalized plans. The study uses middle-aged and older adults as participants, runs for 6-24 months, and measures outcomes such as cognitive function, physical health, biomarkers, and psychological well-being.
The combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking is expected to provide synergistic benefits, as each independently promotes brain health. If desired, study references, protocols, or results from ongoing or completed MedWalk trials can be provided!
The MedWalk intervention study, currently underway, aims to lower the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline by combining the Mediterranean diet and regular walking.
The study involves a Mediterranean diet and regular, moderate-intensity walking sessions, which may provide synergistic benefits for brain health.
Originally designed to last two years, the study has been modified to run for only one year, with a wider group of participants from South Australia and Victoria, Australia.
Participants are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention or a control group, maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
The MedWalk intervention includes dietary modifications, a supervised walking program, and psychosocial behavioral changes.
Participants receive support for six months, with continued help available for the remaining six months to ensure ongoing compliance.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann suggests that previous studies indicate a lower risk of dementia with a Mediterranean diet, and studies in 2022 and 2023 also found an association between the Mediterranean diet and reduced Alzheimer's disease rates.
The Mediterranean diet is beneficial for brain health by combating oxidative stress and inflammation, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting a healthy gut microbiome, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, and lowering the consumption of ultra-processed foods, all of which are linked to dementia.
In addition, Middelmann notes that sharing meals with family and friends and regular exercise are other vital aspects of the Mediterranean diet promoting cognitive health.
Regular walking is associated with reduced cognitive decline, and a study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 daily steps lowering the risk by half.
