Preserving mental acuity: Adopting Mediterranean diet, staying active potentially offers shield
Investigating the Potential of Combining Mediterranean Diet and Walking to Combat Dementia
Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are currently conducting a study to assess the combined effect of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline. This study, known as the "MedWalk intervention," is ongoing, having initially commenced in 2020 but being temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preliminary investigations indicate that both a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, such as walking, are associated with improved brain health. The current study seeks to build upon this research by estimating the benefits of the MedWalk intervention. Data on the researchers' processes and ongoing analysis has already been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Scheduled for completion by the end of 2023, the study originally aimed to observe cognitive changes over a two-year period. However, changes in timing and financial considerations necessitated a shorter follow-up period of one year. Despite these alterations, the researchers believe the findings will still be substantial.
The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Additionally, researchers are interested in observing the effects of the intervention on various areas, including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The study participants are 60-to-90-year-old individuals living in South Australia and Victoria, primarily recruited from independent living retirement communities. Due to pandemic restrictions, participants have also been recruited from the larger community. Special attention is being paid to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The MedWalk intervention comprises a combination of dietary modification alongside a supervised walking regimen, supplemented with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first six months, followed by additional help for the subsequent six months to aid in maintaining the program.
While the study is still ongoing, some experts have offered their thoughts on the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise on cognitive health. Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, noted that previous studies suggest a link between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia.
Middelmann further explained that the Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed grains and sugars, may contribute to brain health by combating oxidative stress and inflammation, improving cognitive function, and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. Additionally, sharing meals with family and friends and regular exercise, which are integral components of the Mediterranean lifestyle, have also been associated with brain health.
Walking, separately, is associated with slower cognitive decline. A study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps a day potentially reducing the risk by 50%. Other research has linked walking to improved brain blood flow, increased brain activity, stress reduction, and feelings of well-being.
The MedWalk intervention study provides an opportunity to explore the combined benefits of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking exercise, offering a promising and practical strategy for maintaining brain health and delaying cognitive decline in the aging population.
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being explored by researchers for its potential impact on cognitive decline and dementia.
- While preliminary investigations indicate improved brain health with both a Mediterranean diet and exercise, the ongoing study aims to estimate the benefits of this specific intervention more accurately.
- The study participants, aged 60-90, come from South Australia, Victoria, and broader communities, with a focus on those who might be at risk of cognitive decline due to biomarkers such as glucose regulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
- In addition to examining the effects on visual memory and learning, the study also aims to observe changes in mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Nutritionists like Conner Middelmann see a Mediterranean diet as potentially reducing the risk of dementia due to its high antioxidant, omega-3 fatty acid, fiber, and low-processed grain content, which combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and promote gut health.
- Regular walking, separate from the Mediterranean diet, has been linked to slowed cognitive decline, improved brain blood flow, increased brain activity, stress reduction, and feelings of well-being, contributing to the potential benefits of the MedWalk intervention.
