Healthy Cognition: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Offers Protection
A fascinating exploration of the possible combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline is underway. Dubbed the "MedWalk intervention," this study aims to determine if following this lifestyle regimen can lower the risk of cognitive decline and various dementias, including Alzheimer's.
Research has linked both the Mediterranean diet and regular walking to maintain brain health; however, this study is set to confirm the additional benefits of adopting the MedWalk intervention. The study, which was initially planned for a 2-year period, was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setbacks, valuable insights are being gained, and participants' progress is continuously analyzed.
Participants in the study, primarily residents aged 60 to 90 years old in South Australia and Victoria, have been divided into two groups. The first follows the MedWalk intervention, which involves dietary modifications paired with a supervised walking plan fortified with psychosocial behavioral change techniques, while the control group maintains their typical diet and activity levels.
The researchers' primary interest lies in observing changes in visual memory and learning over the course of 12 months, but they are also keen to investigate the intervention's impact on various aspects such as mood, quality of life, health expenditures, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The MedWalk intervention represents a combination of lifestyle modifications that may contribute to overall brain health in several ways. A Mediterranean diet is rich in antioxidants, combatting oxidative stress and inflammation, which are believed to be significant contributors to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.
The diet also offers omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for brain health, and omega-3s have been associated with improved cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
Additionally, a Mediterranean diet encourages high fiber intake, maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, and minimizing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation. Lastly, the diet discourages the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to dementia.
Sharing meals with loved ones and engaging in regular exercise are other facets of the Mediterranean diet that are associated with enhanced brain health. Walking regularly is also correlated with slower cognitive decline, as substantial evidence indicates that it increases blood flow to the brain, improves brain activity, reduces stress, enhances feelings of well-being, and supports social interactions and exposure to nature—all of which may benefit cognitive health.
While specific data from the "MedWalk" study is still forthcoming, previous studies on the Mediterranean diet and walking suggest the potential for synergistic effects on brain health. Stay tuned for more findings as the study is set to complete its data collection by the end of 2023.
- Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the MedWalk intervention study is currently gaining valuable insights into the combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline in participants aged 60 to 90 years old.
- The study divides participants into two groups: one following the MedWalk intervention, which includes dietary modifications, a walking plan, and behavioral change techniques, and another maintaining their typical diet and activity levels as a control group.
- The researchers are particularly interested in observing changes in visual memory and learning over 12 months for each group, but they also aim to investigate the intervention's impact on aspects like mood, quality of life, health expenditures, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and mental health.
- A Mediterranean diet offers numerous benefits for brain health due to its rich antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), high fiber intake, balanced gut microbiome, minimized risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, and reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are all linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline.
- Walking regularly also correlates with cognitive health benefits, as it increases blood flow to the brain, improves brain activity, reduces stress, enhances feelings of well-being, and supports social interactions and exposure to nature.
- Previous studies on the Mediterranean diet and walking suggest the potential for synergistic effects on brain health, and the MedWalk study is set to complete its data collection by the end of 2023, shedding more light on the combined benefits of adopting this lifestyle regimen for reducing the risk of cognitive decline and various dementias, including Alzheimer's.
