Healthy Mind: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Might Offer Protection
Study investigating the synergistic impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on cognitive decline and dementia
Investigators are probing the potential of the "MedWalk intervention" in reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's, in older adults. "MedWalk" here stands for the combination of a Mediterranean diet with regular walking.
Research consistently links both a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, like walking, to better brain health. This study aims to confirm the efficacy of the combined MedWalk intervention.
Initiated by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, the ongoing research encountered disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the authors continued publishing updates on their study design and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The trial, initially planned for a 2-year follow-up, was modified to a 1-year study due to the pandemic. Minimal shortcomings were anticipated, with the team planning to increase participant numbers as a result.
The primary focus of the study is assessing the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Additional areas of interest include the impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The study group comprises 60-to-90-year-old individuals from South Australia and Victoria, primarily sourced from independent living retirement communities. Due to the pandemic, some participants were recruited from the larger community as well.
Participants displaying signs of cognitive decline in glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress are placed under special scrutiny.
The participants were split into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention involves a modified diet, walking routine, and social behavioral change techniques. Intensive support is provided during the first six months, with further assistance for the subsequent six months.
Participants are schooled on distinguishing a Mediterranean diet from an average Australian diet. Other dietary provisions are also made to facilitate the dietary transition. A baseline assessment of aerobic fitness serves as a precursor to walking sessions organized during the first six months. Following this, monthly sessions are conducted throughout the study.
According to certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, evidence indicates that following a Mediterranean diet is associated with fewer cases of dementia. Similarly, studies from bolster the claim that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia.
Middelmann emphasizes the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention, as numerous other factors contribute to dementia risk.
Regular walking offers other potential benefits for brain health, as research suggests that it may:
- Increase blood flow to the brain, potentially reducing inflammation
- Enhance cognitive function
- Alleviate stress
- Favorable exposures to nature and social interaction
Likewise, walking has been shown to lower dementia risk in dose-dependent studies. Those taking 10,000 steps each day demonstrated a 50% reduction in dementia risk. Overall brain health benefits from walking are attributed to increased blood flow, cognitive stimulation, reduced stress, and exposure to nature and social interaction.
Brain health expert, Ryan Glatt, explains that walking might improve brain health by augmenting blood flow, promoting certain brain activities, and stimulating feelings of well-being. Future analysis will reveal the outcomes of the MedWalk intervention, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023.
Additional Insights:
- The MedWalk study examines the impact of walking on physical and mental health, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline. It's part of a broader effort to investigate ways to mitigate cognitive decline and develop cost-effective interventions.
- Beyond cognitive health, the study's focus on regular exercise, diet, and social engagement may have broader implications for overall health and well-being in older adults. As a result, it may contribute to health recommendations and community initiatives centered on maintaining an active lifestyle.
- Lifestyle choices such as adopting a Mediterranean diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding ultra-processed foods, and regularly engaging in social activities may have a cumulative impact on cognitive health. A growing body of research supports the notion that addressing multiple risk factors simultaneously can lead to significant health benefits.
- While the MedWalk study focuses on walking as a principal physical activity, future studies might investigate other forms of exercise, such as resistance training or high-intensity interval training, to ascertain their impact on cognitive health and dementia risk.
- The modification of the study's design in response to the COVID-19 pandemic might provide valuable insights into the adaptability of health studies under extraordinary circumstances. Contingency planning and flexibility may prove crucial for ensuring continued progress in research during unexpected disruptions.
- Researchers are exploring the potential of the MedWalk intervention, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, to minimize the risk of cognitive decline and various dementias, such as Alzheimer's, in older adults.
- Established literature links both a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, including walking, to optimized brain health, and this study aims to verify the efficiency of the MedWalk intervention.
- Despite pandemic-related disruptions, the study design and ongoing analysis are periodically published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
- Initially planned as a 2-year study, the trial was adjusted to a 1-year duration due to the pandemic, with increased participant numbers anticipated as a result.
- The investigation primarily assesses the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, paying additional attention to the impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and other associated factors.
- The study group consists primarily of 60-to-90-year-old individuals from South Australia and Victoria, with some participants recruited from independent living retirement communities, due to the pandemic-related disruptions. Participants displaying signs of cognitive decline in glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress are given special attention.
