Maintenance of Cognitive Function: Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle as Potential Defenses
Researchers are delving deep into the "MedWalk" phenomenon, investigating if this unique combo of a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise could potentially lower the risk of cognitive decline and various dementias, like Alzheimer's. "MedWalk" is a term coined for the harmonious blend of a Mediterranean diet and a brisk stroll.
Previous findings have connected both the Mediterranean diet and regular walks to brain health, and this new investigation intends to verify the benefits of such a "MedWalk" lifestyle. The study, set to wrap up by the end of 2023, is being led by researchers hailing from Down Under (Australia), across the ditch (New Zealand), and over the pond (UK).
However, due to the global pandemic, the research has been put on hold, but data on their progress and analysis was published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. The study was initially designed to track brain health for a whopping 2 years, but modifications due to the pandemic have cut the follow-up period down to a single year only.
When it comes to what they're interested in, the scientists have their sights set on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for the participants. They're also keen to observe the intervention's effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The participants are elderly (60-90 years old) Aussies living in South Australia and Victoria, coming from independent living retirement communities. But thanks to COVID-19, they've also secured some participants from the wider community.
For this study, the research team is focusing on biomarkers in our bodies that could signal cognitive decline, like glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The MedWalk group follows a modified diet and has a walking routine under supervision, along with some life-altering behavioral techniques to help them stick to their plans. The MedWalkers receive extensive support for the initial six months, with additional help for the next six months to make sure they remain on the right track.
To help the MedWalkers understand the Mediterranean diet lifestyle, the researchers are giving out extra-virgin olive oil for free, as it's a crucial element in this diet. After measuring their basic fitness levels, the participants hit the pavement for group walks for the first six months, followed by monthly get-togethers for the rest of the test year.
Now, you might be wondering about the Mediterranean diet's effects on cognition. Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann shed some light on this topic, sharing her insights with Medical News Today. She shared that several studies have suggested that adopting a Mediterranean diet could lower dementia cases. Moreover, some studies from 2023 found a connection between a Mediterranean diet and reduced rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia.
However, Middelmann reminded us that many factors influence dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. In short, a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is only one piece of the brain health and dementia prevention puzzle.
Now, let's move on to the magical ingredient: walking. Regular walks have been connected to slower cognitive decline, with one study proving that hitting 10,000 steps a day can drop the risk of dementia by half! Another study suggested a link between walking speed and dementia, while a 2017 publication in the British Journal of Sports Medicine pointed out that aerobic exercises like walking can reduce cognitive impairment.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute shared his thoughts on how walking can benefit the brain. He pointed out that walking may increase blood flow to the brain (depending on intensity, duration, and frequency), enhance brain activity, and reduce stress levels while boosting overall feelings of well-being. Walking also offers social connections and exposes us to nature, which could have additional benefits for our brains.
By the end of 2023, the data collection period for this study will come to a close. So, keep an eye out for official findings from the "MedWalk" intervention study!
- The "MedWalk" intervention study, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, is being investigated to potentially lower the risk of cognitive decline and various dementias, such as Alzheimer's.
- A key focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for the participants, as well as the intervention's effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
- The researchers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK are leading the study, and it initially aimed to track brain health for two years but was modified due to the pandemic, reducing the follow-up period to one year.
- The elderly participants in the study are Australians living in South Australia and Victoria, primarily from independent living retirement communities, with some secured from the wider community due to COVID-19.
- The MedWalk group follows a modified diet and has a walking routine under supervision, along with life-altering behavioral techniques, receiving extensive support for the initial six months to ensure they remain on track.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann notes that adopting a Mediterranean diet could potentially lower dementia cases and is one piece of the brain health and dementia prevention puzzle, while regular walks have been connected to slower cognitive decline and reduced rates of Alzheimer's disease.
