Preserving Cognitive Function: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle could offer protective benefits
Australia-led researchers are assessing the combined impact of adhering to a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on the risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's dementia. The study, dubbed "MedWalk," is ongoing, with participants aged 60 to 90 from South Australia and Victoria.
The scientists hypothesize that the combined MedWalk intervention could provide brain health benefits beyond those of either component alone. The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, was initially designed for a 2-year observation period. However, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has modified the schedule, reducing the follow-up period to one year.
The primary focus of the study is assessing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Researchers are also evaluating the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Participants are divided into either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group, with the latter maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The intervention combines dietary modification with a supervised walking regimen, supplemented by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support during the first six months, with additional assistance for the following six months.
Previous research indicates that both a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity, such as walking, may reduce the risk of dementia. The Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, believed to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, significant contributors to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. The diet is also high in fiber, low in processed grains and sugars, and encourages the consumption of ultra-processed foods, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.
Walking is associated with slower cognitive decline, with studies suggesting that taking at least 10,000 steps a day could lower the risk of dementia by half. Regular exercise like walking may increase brain blood flow, benefit brain activity levels, reduce stress, and provide cognitive benefits through social and natural elements.
The study's data-collection period will be completed by the end of 2023. A certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, not involved in the current study, emphasized that maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise are fundamental aspects of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
- The scientists hypothesize that the combined MedWalk intervention, which includes dietary modification and a supervised walking regimen, could offer greater brain health benefits than either component alone.
- Ongoing research, known as "MedWalk," is examining the combined influence of adhering to a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on the risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's dementia.
- In the realm of mental health and wellness, both a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity, like walking, have been indicated to potentially decrease the risk of dementia.
- The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, initially aimed for a 2-year observation period, but the COVID-19 pandemic shortened the follow-up to one year.
- Despite being initially naive to the combined intervention's potential impact, science continues to uncover the cognitive benefits associated with regular walking and a Mediterranean diet.
- By 2023, the data-collection period for the MedWalk study will be completed, contributing valuable insights into the world of fitness and exercise, nutrition, and dementia prevention.
