Preserving Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise Could Provide Protection
An updated investigation templates the impact of a Mediterranean diet paired with regular walking to combat dementia and cognitive decline.
- This research venture has established links between a Mediterranean diet, frequent walking, and enhanced brain health. However, this study aims to substantiate the advantages of the synchronized MedWalk intervention.
- The study initiated by international researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom is still underway, albeit delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relying on the "MedWalk" concept - a blend of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking - researchers aim to assess the combined effect on cognitive health and potential dementia risk reduction.
Prior research highlighted benefits of the MedWalk approach with reduced reports of dementia cases, with supporting findings offered by studies in 2015 [1] and 2019 [2]. However, it's crucial to consider numerous factors contributing to dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
To maintain a sustainable impact, the follow-up period initially set for a 2-year evaluation has been revised to a single year due to the impact of the pandemic and recruitment adjustments.
The primary focus of the study lies in assessing the 12-month change in visual memory and learning abilities among participants.
The researchers observe multiple facets of the intervention, such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Toddler-aged residents residing in South Australia and Victoria have been recruited for the study, sourced from independent living retirement communities and, most recently, the broader community due to pandemic restrictions.
Researchers are monitoring indicators of cognitive decline, including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress among participants, who have been assigned to a MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their regular diet and activity level.
Though the Australian diet differs from the Mediterranean variety, the researchers provide guidelines and resources to ensure success in adapting to the Med-style diet. Assistance is offered to participants for the initial 6 months, with ongoing support available for the following 6 months. The researchers furnish complimentary extra-virgin olive oil and other essential Mediterranean dietic components for the duration of the study.
Participants complete an initial fitness assessment, engaging in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly walking sessions thereafter.
The Mediterranean diet may encourage better brain health through several potential mechanisms [3][4]. The diet presents a wealth of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which could contribute significantly to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Mediterranean diet incorporates omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, essential for brain health, with research linking omega-3s to improved cognitive functionality and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
The diet boasts high fiber content to maintain a balanced gut microbiome, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation. It discourages excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, which have been associated with dementia.
Frequent walking's advantages for cognitive health could stem from increased blood flow, improved brain activity, reduced stress levels, and increased feelings of well-being [5]. Walking may also incorporate elements of social interaction and exposure to nature, contributing positively to brain health.
This study is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023.
Sources:
- "Dietary approaches to prevent Alzheimer's disease: An Evidence-Based Approach"
- "Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is related to a lower likelihood of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline"
- "The MIND Diet: Fight Dementia by Matching the Mediterranean, DASH Diets"
- "Omega-3 fatty acids and brain health: a review"
- "The Current Role of Exercise in Alzheimer's Disease: Prevention, Treatment, and Cognitive Reserve"
- The research endeavor, intriguingly titled 'MedWalk', is investigating the combined impact of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking on both dementia risk reduction and cognitive health.
- Prior studies, like those in 2015 and 2019, have hinted at the benefits of the MedWalk approach, with reduced dementia cases reported.
- However, the study is still ongoing, despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a follow-up period revised from 2 years to 1 year due to the pandemic's impact and recruitment adjustments.
- The primary focus of the study is assessing the 12-month change in visual memory and learning abilities among participants.
- Researchers are monitoring various aspects of the intervention, including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and indicators of cognitive decline such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
- The Mediterranean diet may offer improved brain health through several potential mechanisms, such as increased antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber, while frequent walking could benefit cognitive health through increased blood flow, brain activity, stress reduction, and feelings of well-being.
