Maintaining cognitive vigor: Adopting a Mediterranean diet and an active lifestyle as potential protective measures.
Ready to dive into the fascinating world of brain health and dementia prevention? Let's explore the ongoing MedWalk study, a groundbreaking investigation combining the Mediterranean diet and regular walking.
Currently conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, this study aims to determine if adhering to a "MedWalk" lifestyle can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's dementia. "MedWalk" is simply a combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking.
Previously, both the Mediterranean diet and regular walking have been linked to brain health, but this study seeks to confirm the benefits of the combined MedWalk intervention. Although the study has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, data on the researchers' processes and ongoing analysis is published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The MedWalk intervention centers on implementing both dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, backed by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the initial six months, with additional help for the following six months to ensure they stay on track with the program. Special attention is paid to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants are aged 60 to 90 and reside in South Australia and Victoria. Upon recruitment, they are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group that maintains their usual diet and activity level. After an assessment of their baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann shares her insights on the Mediterranean diet's potential impact on brain health. Studies have suggested that following a Mediterranean diet is associated with fewer cases of dementia, lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, improved cognitive function, balanced gut microbiomes, reduced risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, and encouragement of social connections and regular exercise. As Middelmann emphasizes, a healthy diet is just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
Regular walking is also closely associated with slower cognitive decline. A study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of daily steps taken and the risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps a day reducing the risk by 50%. Other research has linked walking with improved brain blood flow, cognitive function, stress reduction, and feelings of well-being.
While the data collection period for the MedWalk study is ongoing, with completion expected by the end of 2023, hopes are high that the combined MedWalk intervention will provide strong findings in support of its benefits for cognitive health, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease prevention. So, grab your sneakers and embrace the MedWalk lifestyle – take a step towards a healthier brain today!
- The ongoing MedWalk study, combining the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is an investigation led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, aiming to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's dementia.
- The combination of dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, backed by psychosocial behavioral change techniques, is central to the MedWalk intervention, with participants receiving intensive support for the first six months, followed by additional help to stay on track.
- The MedWalk study includes participants aged 60 to 90 residing in South Australia and Victoria, who are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group, and undergo assessments of their baseline aerobic fitness.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann underscores the potential impact of the Mediterranean diet on brain health, suggesting that following this diet is associated with fewer cases of dementia, improved cognitive function, balanced gut microbiomes, reduced risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, and encouragement of social connections and regular exercise.
- Coupled with the Mediterranean diet, regular walking is closely associated with slower cognitive decline, as demonstrated by research linking taking 10,000 steps a day with a 50% reduced risk of dementia.
- As the data collection period for the MedWalk study continues, with completion expected by the end of 2023, anticipation grows for the combined MedWalk intervention's potential benefits for cognitive health, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease prevention – making it a promising lifestyle choice for those seeking to safeguard their brain health.
