Preserving mental acuity: Adopting Mediterranean diet, maintaining an active lifestyle might offer protective benefits.
Dive into the intriguing exploration of the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet, known as the MedWalk intervention, and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline. Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are investigating whether this healthy duo can lower the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's, for people aged 60-90.
The study, initially intended to span over 2 years, has been shortened due to COVID-19 disruptions, with the follow-up period now limited to a year. The research team is keeping a broad sample of participants from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, as well as recruiting from the larger community due to the pandemic.
The researchers' primary focus is on evaluating the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Besides this, they're eager to examine the intervention's effect on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
The MedWalk intervention consists of a Mediterranean diet enriched with psychosocial behavioral change techniques, accompanied by a supervised walking regimen. Participants receive support for the initial 6 months, with assistance available for the following 6 months to help them stay on track. To help participants better understand the Mediterranean diet, researchers provide guidance on its differences compared to a typical Australian diet and offer free extra-virgin olive oil and other essential foods.
Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, spoke to Medical News Today about the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for cognitive health. Studies have suggested a link between the Mediterranean diet and fewer dementia cases, as well as lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play a significant role in dementia risk.
Regular walking is also associated with slower cognitive decline. Research has found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the reduced risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps a day potentially lowering the risk by 50%. The underlying mechanisms through which walking and the Mediterranean diet may protect the brain are being further explored in the current study.
Stay tuned for the study's findings, expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Embrace the power of healthy eating, physical activity, and positive lifestyle choices in your quest for brain health and dementia prevention!
The MedWalk intervention, comprising a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is under investigation for its potential in lowering dementia and Alzheimer's risk among people aged 60-90. Researchers, focusing on visual memory and learning changes, also aim to examine its impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers linked to cognitive decline.
Conner Middelmann, a nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, opines about its cognitive health benefits, with studies suggesting a lower dementia and Alzheimer's case count. However, it's essential to consider genetics, lifestyle, and overall health in understanding dementia risk.
Regular walking, associated with slower cognitive decline, may offer protection through a dose-dependent relationship. Taking 10,000 steps a day could potentially lower the dementia risk by 50%. The study also delves into the interplay between the Mediterranean diet, regular walking, and brain health.
In this health-and-wellness journey, a balanced diet, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health practices play crucial roles in dementia prevention and promoting brain health. Nutrition, particularly the adoption of healthy-diets like the Mediterranean diet, can support this goal.
Stay updated for the study's findings, due in late 2023, as they may provide valuable insights into maintaining brain health and mitigating the risk of dementia and cognitive decline. By embracing these lifestyle choices, individuals can empower their personal crusade for brain health and dementia prevention.
