Maintaining Brain Health: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise as Preventive Measures
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Curious about the potential brain-boosting power of a Mediterranean diet coupled with walking? Look no further! Researchers are exploring the combined effect of these lifestyle changes on dementia and cognitive decline in an ongoing study dubbed the "MedWalk intervention."
You might be wondering, "Why the focus on this curious combo?" Well, both the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise have been associated with brain health benefits. This new study aims to verify whether their combined effect enhances these benefits even further.
The research, initiated by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, was initially designed to follow participants for two years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated modifications, such as reducing the follow-up period to a single year and expanding the participant pool. Despite the shifts, the team remains optimistic about the study's outcome.
So, what are the researchers searching for? The primary area of interest lies in evaluating a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Beyond this, the study will scrutinize the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
To participate in the study, you must be between 60 and 90 years old and reside in either South Australia or Victoria. Participants are recruited from independent living retirement communities, with additional recruitment from the broader community due to the impacts of the pandemic.
Joining the MedWalk group requires embracing a combined approach to dietary modification and supervised walking, supplemented with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Support is provided intensively for the initial six months, with continued assistance available for the following six months to maintain adherence.
[Enrichment Data]Interim findings from the MedWalk intervention study suggest that the combined lifestyle intervention holds promise for cognitive health benefits. Preliminary reports point to improved cognitive function, slower cognitive decline, and synergistic effects between the Mediterranean diet and exercise.
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Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann points out that research indicates that following a Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of dementia. Other studies have associated the Mediterranean diet with reduced rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. However, it's crucial to remember that several factors contribute to dementia risk, including lifestyle and overall health.
The Mediterranean diet benefits brain health in multiple ways: high antioxidant levels to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, essential omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, a balanced gut microbiome from an abundance of fiber, a reduction in processed grains and sugars, and the restriction of ultra-processed foods. Societal aspects like shared meals and regular exercise also contribute to brain health, Middelmann explains.
Walking, too, boasts similar brain benefits. A study found that walking 10,000 steps a day lowered the risk of dementia by half. Research indicates that walking can boost brain blood flow, improve brain activity, reduce stress, and enhance feelings of well-being.
The MedWalk study's data-collection period is set to conclude by the end of 2023. Stay tuned for the final results!
The MedWalk intervention study, a combination of Mediterranean diet and supervised walking, is investigating its potential impact on dementia and cognitive decline. Participants, aged between 60 and 90, are recruited from South Australia or Victoria, with some coming from independent living retirement communities or the broader community due to the pandemic.
The research, led by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, focuses on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, and also studies the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann notes thatfollowing a Mediterranean diet may help lower the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, by providing high antioxidant levels, essential omega-3 fatty acids, a balanced gut microbiome, reduced processed grains and sugars, and the restriction of ultra-processed foods. Walking regularly, as suggested by a study, can lower the risk of dementia by half and boost brain blood flow, improve brain activity, reduce stress, and enhance feelings of well-being.
Preliminary reports from the MedWalk intervention study suggest improved cognitive function, slower cognitive decline, and synergistic effects between the Mediterranean diet and exercise. The data-collection period for this study is set to conclude by the end of 2023.
As we wait for the final results, it's essential to remember that while these lifestyle changes may be promising, several factors contribute to dementia risk, including overall health and lifestyle. Therefore, adopting a health-and-wellness approach, which incorporates fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and other healthy habits, may help maintain cognitive function and overall health.