Mental wellbeing: Adherence to Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle could offer protection
Study Assessing the Combined Effects of Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Cognitive Decline and Dementia
An ongoing research study is investigating whether a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, referred to as the "MedWalk intervention," could potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is ongoing, despite interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While previous research has linked both the Mediterranean diet and walking to improved brain health, this study seeks to confirm the benefits of the combined MedWalk intervention during a 12-month period. Participants are individuals aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria, with some participants recruited from independent living retirement communities and others from the larger community.
The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. In addition to observing these cognitive measures, the researchers are also interested in the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness. The study authors are confident that despite the modified structure due to the pandemic, they will still gather sufficiently strong findings.
The MedWalk intervention involves a combination of dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, reinforced with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first 6 months, with additional assistance available for the next 6 months to keep them on track.
The researchers provide instruction in the distinctions between a Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet to help participants better understand the concept. Participants are offered extra-virgin olive oil and other foods to facilitate following the Mediterranean diet. After assessing baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in the Mediterranean diet and is not involved in the current study, emphasized that while studies suggest a link between the Mediterranean diet and reduced dementia risk, it's crucial to consider all factors influencing dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
A Mediterranean diet could contribute to brain health through its rich content of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and by supporting gut microbiome balance, while minimizing processed grains, sugars, and ultra-processed foods. Social aspects such as sharing meals with family and friends and regular exercise, which are also part of the Mediterranean lifestyle, may also support brain health.
Regular walking has been linked to slower cognitive decline as well. One study found that taking 10,000 steps a day could lower the risk of dementia by half, while other studies suggest that walking may improve brain blood flow, cognitive function, and overall feelings of well-being. The collection of data for this study will be completed by the end of 2023.
- The MedWalk intervention, combining a Mediterranean diet with regular walking, is being studied to potentially lessen the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
- Participants in the study, aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria, receive support for 12 months to adhere to this combined intervention.
- The study examines not only cognitive measures like visual memory and learning but also the impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- The MedWalk intervention incorporates dietary modifications, a supervised walking regimen, and behavioral change techniques to promote health-and-wellness, mental-health, and fitness-and-exercise.
- Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, underscores the importance of considering multiple factors contributing to dementia risk, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
- A Mediterranean diet, with its high antioxidant, omega-3 fatty acid, fiber, and gut microbiome-supporting properties, may contribute to better brain health, along with other social and exercise aspects of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Regular walking has also been linked to slower cognitive decline, improved brain blood flow, cognitive function, and feelings of well-being.
