Protective Effect of Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle on Cognitive Health
Havin' a Brain Burst on MedWalk: The Multipronged Approach to Dementia Prevention
Here's the lowdown on a study blowin' up the scene, examining the pairing of a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise (a la walking) on dementia and cognitive decline. Sounds like a promising blend, right?
This research combines the brain-boosting properties of a Meal-Meet-Moves regimen* — short for a Mediterranean diet, meeting with others, and walking — to see if it packs a punch against dementia and cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Given that both a Mediterranean diet (Meal) and regular walkin' (Moves) have shown associations with brain health in the past, researchers are hopin' to confirm that this duo delivers where it matters most.
Helmed by scientists hailing from Land Down Under, Aotearoa, and the United KingDome, this research hit the ground runnin' before take a breather due to the global pandemic. But they didn't just sit on the bench! They published the nitty-gritty of their game plan in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Originally slated to observe cognition over two years, the study was shook up by COVID-19, shortening the follow-up period to a year. The researchers, however, feel confident that the tweaked format still offers strong insights.
The main event spectators should keep an eye on? That'd be the 12-month change in visual memory and learning among the participants.
Curious about how this jive looks on paper? Fret not! This ain't the whole enchilada. Researchers are also observing the Med-Meet-Moves plan's effects on several other fronts — from mood and quality of life to health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
As for the players, think of the sixties through nineties (going max on decades here), and you've got the sweet-spot age bracket for participants. They can be found hangin' out in independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria. But since the pandemic turned everything on its head, they've also been scouted from the larger community too.
For our biomarker-loving scientists, special attention is paid to certain indicators linked with cognitive decline, like glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
So, who gets the VIP treatment? The Med-Meet-Moves squad, of course! Participants receive a combo of diet tweaks, a guided walking program, and psychosocial support to keep 'em shootin' for their goals. And let's not forget some friendly competition: monthly walkin' sessions for the lucky six-month period, followed by group walks every month after that.
But how does a Mediterranean diet fare in the brain health game? Certified nutritionist and Mediterranean diet expert Conner Middelmann weighed in on the topic:
Studies have suggested a connection between following a Mediterranean diet and reduced instances of dementia. A few studies in the past couple of years found a link between this diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia.
But she quick-stepped on the breaks, reminding us that various factors can impact dementia risk, from genetics to lifestyle and overall health. That said, Middelmann added, "Maintaining a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet is just one piece of a larger approach to brain health and dementia prevention."
Now, let's take a step back and get our hearts poundin' with the benefits of walkin' for cognitive health.
One study revealed a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and dementia risk reduction. Clockin' 10,000 steps daily? The prevention of dementia is boosted by 50%.
And here's the real kicker: walkin' has been linked to slower cognitive decline, sharper brain function, and lower rates of cognitive decline overall. All by walkin'!
"Walkin' may enhance brain health by increasin' blood flow, specifically tailored to the intensity, duration, and frequency of your walk," explained brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, whose two cents weren't sought for this study.
Y'see, walkin' isn't just an exercise; it can unite folks and connect 'em with nature, boosting those all-important feel-good vibes. So, there ya have it! The study will deliver its final results by year's end. Here's hopin' this Med-Meet-Moves plan is the dementia-beating champion we've been waitin' for!
- The study aims to explore the effects of a Meal-Meet-Moves regimen on dementia and cognitive decline, focusing on Alzheimer's disease particularly, by combining the brain-boosting properties of a Mediterranean diet, regular walking, and social interactions.
- Researchers, including those from Australia, Aotearoa, and the United Kingdom, have published their research plan in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, investigating the potential benefits of this combination on various factors such as visual memory, learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Participants for the study, aged sixty to ninety, are sourced from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, with some also recruited from the broader community due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The study initially aimed to observe cognition over two years but was shortened to a year due to the pandemic. Despite the shorter follow-up period, researchers still feel that the tweaked format offers valuable insights.
- In addition to monitoring visual memory and learning, the study will also assess the impact of the Med-Meet-Moves plan on other aspects of cognitive health, including mood, quality of life, and various biomarkers related to cognitive decline.
- Nutritionist Conner Middelmann noted that studies suggest a connection between following a Mediterranean diet and reduced instances of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, but emphasized that maintaining a healthy diet is just one piece of a larger approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
