Maintaining cognitive health: Adopting Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle could offer protective benefits
In the midst of an intriguing study, scientists are diving deep to uncover the powerful duo of the Mediterranean diet and walking, and their impact on dementia and cognitive decline. This combo, aptly dubbed "MedWalk," is turning heads as both dietary habits and regular exercise have been individually linked to brain health.
The research team, consisting of prestigious members from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, are examining whether following a MedWalk intervention could potentially lessen the odds of cognitive decline and various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia.
While preliminary research has hinted at a link between the Mediterranean diet and fewer instances of dementia, it's crucial to keep in mind that numerous factors play a role in dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Keeping that harmonious Mediterranean diet on the table is merely one critical piece of the brain health and dementia prevention puzzle.
The study, slightly modified due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, initially planned to assess cognition over a 2-year period but has now shifted to a single-year follow-up. Despite the reduction, researchers believe the altered study design will yield robust findings.
Participants for the study are recruited from among 60-to-90-year-old individuals residing in South Australia and Victoria. These individuals are selected from independent living retirement communities and, more recently, from the broader community due to the pandemic.
The researchers pay special attention to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The MedWalk intervention involves participants following a Mediterranean diet in conjunction with a supervised walking regimen, enforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. During the first six months, participants receive intense support, while assistance remains accessible for the following six months to help them stick to the program.
Researchers offer guidance on the nuances of a Mediterranean diet to help participants wrap their heads around this specific culinary approach. They even provide free extra-virgin olive oil, a crucial component of the diet, along with other essential foods.
Following an initial assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants participate in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the study.
Walking, too, has been linked to cognitive protection, as studies suggest it may reduce the risk of dementia. Some research indicates that taking as few as 10,000 daily steps could lower the risk of dementia by 50%. Walking provides potential benefits for brain health such as increased blood flow, improved cognitive function, and decreased stress levels.
This study, due for completion by the end of 2023, could shed light on the powerful benefits of combining a brain-boosting Mediterranean diet and regular exercise to fend off cognitive decline and dementia. Given the limited information available at this stage, more details on the study's design, participants, and progress will be unveiled as it progresses.
- In their study, scientists are investigating the impact of the Mediterranean diet and walking, referred to as "MedWalk," on dementia and cognitive decline.
- The researchers believe that following a MedWalk intervention could potentially decrease the chances of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's dementia.
- Despite preliminary research suggesting a link between the Mediterranean diet and decreased dementia cases, numerous factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, contribute to dementia risk.
- The study, initially planned for a 2-year period, has been adjusted to a single-year follow-up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with researchers believing the altered design will still yield meaningful findings.
- The research team is recruiting participants aged 60 to 90 from South Australia and Victoria, with some recruitment coming from independent living retirement communities and the broader community due to the pandemic.
- The MedWalk intervention involves participants adhering to a Mediterranean diet, along with a supervised walking regimen, reinforced by psychosocial behavioral change techniques, with ongoing support provided for the duration of the study.
