Preserving Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise as Preventive Measures
New and Improved Article:
- Taking Steps for Brain Health: A New Study Combines the Mediterranean Diet and Walking to Combat Dementia
- Some scientists are putting the power of two popular wellness practices to the test, blending a Mediterranean-style diet with walking to potentially stave off cognitive decline and dementia.
- The research group, hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, has labeled this unique approach the "MedWalk intervention."
- Though the world has been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, these curious minds haven't let that halt their progress.
- They've detailed their methods and ongoing analysis in the esteemed Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Embracing the MedWalk Lifestyle
Initially conceived to monitor cognitive development over a 2-year period, the study's timeline and finances have taken some twists due to the pandemic. Now, they're working within a single year and broadening the participant pool.
The researchers are most interested in seeing how the MedWalk intervention affects visual memory and learning in participants age 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria, recruited from retirement communities and the broader community alike.
Beyond visual memory and learning, the team is also keen to observe the effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and more.
Decoding the Mediterranean Diet and Cognition
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann shared her insights with Medical News Today. She pointed to past studies suggesting that a Mediterranean diet could lower the risk of dementia. Furthermore, some research revealed an association between the diet and a decrease in Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia.
However, Middelmann urged caution, emphasizing that genetics, lifestyle, and overall health all play a role in dementia risk. So, a healthy diet like the Mediterranean is just one piece of the puzzle for brain wellness and dementia prevention.
The Mediterranean diet could boost brain health in several ways:
- Rich in antioxidants for combating oxidative stress and inflammation, known contributors to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain health, and linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- High in fiber for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome balance, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.
- Low in processed grains and sugars, minimizing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.
- Abstaining from ultra-processed foods, linked to dementia, is encouraged in the diet.
Plus, sharing meals with family and friends, and regular exercise are additional healthful traits of the Mediterranean diet.
Striding Towards Better Cognitive Function: Walking Benefits
Scientific evidence consistently associates walking with cognitive benefits, including slower cognitive decline. One study found a direct correlation between the number of steps taken and a decreased risk of dementia, stating that taking 10,000 steps per day could lower the risk by half.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt elaborated on the potential advantages of walking for cognitive health:
- Walking may increase blood flow to the brain (dependent on intensity, duration, and frequency of walking).
- It can boost brain activity while reducing overall stress and improving feelings of well-being.
- It offers social and natural elements that may also foster cognitive benefits.
By the end of 2023, the data collection phase for this one-year trial will draw to a close. The findings could reveal significant insights into the combined impact of diet and exercise on cognitive health.
- The combination of a Mediterranean-style diet and walking, known as the MedWalk intervention, is being studied to potentially stave off cognitive decline and dementia.
- The researchers aim to observe the effects of MedWalk on visual memory, learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and more in participants aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria.
- Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist, suggests that past studies have shown the Mediterranean diet could lower the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia.
- Middelmann reminds us that genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play a significant role in dementia risk, making a healthy diet like the Mediterranean just one piece of the puzzle for brain wellness and dementia prevention.
- Regular walking has been scientifically associated with cognitive benefits, including slower cognitive decline, increased blood flow to the brain, reduced stress, and improved feelings of well-being.
- By the end of 2023, the one-year trial combining the Mediterranean diet and walking will conclude, potentially revealing insights into the combined impact of diet and exercise on cognitive health.
