Improving Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise May Offer Protection
Study explores the impact of the "MedWalk" lifestyle on dementia and cognitive decline:
Scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK are conducting a study to determine if a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various dementias, including Alzheimer’s dementia. This study, dubbed the MedWalk intervention, builds on existing research linking both elements to brain health.
Interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, but the research is ongoing, boasting a diverse participant pool from South Australia, Victoria, and other community sources. The focus is on older adults aged 60 to 90, recruited from independent living retirement communities and beyond.
The primary interest lies in observing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Additionally, the study will scrutinize the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modification with a supervised walking regimen and behavior change techniques. Participants receive intensive support during the first six months, followed by additional assistance for the next six months to help them stick to the program. To better understand the Mediterranean diet, participants are provided instruction on the differences between it and a typical Australian diet.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in the Mediterranean diet, believes studies linking the diet to lower dementia risks are promising. However, genetics, lifestyle, and overall health factors all play a role in dementia risk. Middelmann advises that maintaining a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet is part of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Regarding walking, studies show that taking around 10,000 steps daily may lower dementia risk by 50%. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, can also improve cognitive impairment, and regular walking can boost brain blood flow, reduce stress, and encourage feelings of well-being.
The data collection for this study is set to conclude by the end of 2023. The Mediterranean diet, combined with regular walking and a focus on overall wellness, may offer a powerful approach for maintaining cognitive function as we age.
- The MedWalk intervention, aiming to reduce dementia and cognitive decline, blends the Mediterranean diet with regular walking and behavior change techniques.
- The study participants, aged 60 to 90, are from diverse populations in South Australia, Victoria, and other sources.
- Scientists are interested in observing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for the participants involved.
- Apart from cognitive changes, the study also aims to investigate the impact of the intervention on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers related to cognitive decline.
- Participants receive intensive support for the first six months, followed by continued assistance for the next six months to help them adhere to the program.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann suggests that the Mediterranean diet, linked to lower dementia risks, is part of a broader approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
- Research suggests that taking around 10,000 steps daily could lower dementia risk by 50%, and regular walking can enhance cognitive functioning, boost brain blood flow, reduce stress, and promote feelings of well-being.
- By the end of 2023, the data collection for this study is scheduled to be completed.
- The combination of the Mediterranean diet, regular walking, and a focus on overall wellness may provide a potent strategy for maintaining cognitive function as we age.
