Protection of Cognitive Health: Associated with Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle
Investigating the Combined Effects of Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Dementia and Cognitive Decline
A study currently underway explores the potential benefits of a combination lifestyle intervention known as the "MedWalk" program on dementia and cognitive decline among adults aged 60 to 90. The study, spearheaded by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, seeks to evaluate the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on brain health.
The MedWalk program, comprising dietary modification and a supervised walking regimen, is designed to address cognitive decline and various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia. As previous research has linked both Mediterranean diets and regular walking to brain health, the current study aims to determine if the combined MedWalk intervention offers additional benefits.
The ongoing study has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, originally designed to assess cognition over a two-year period. Due to pandemic-related constraints, the follow-up period has been reduced to a single year. Nevertheless, the researchers believe the modified study design will still yield substantial findings.
The primary outcome of interest for the study authors is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. Additionally, they plan to observe the intervention's effects on a broad range of factors, including mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
Participants in the study were recruited from independent living retirement communities in the Australian states of South Australia and Victoria. Due to the pandemic, participants were also recruited from the wider community. Special attention is being paid to biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants were assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group that maintains their usual diet and activity level. The intervention includes dietary modifications along with a supervised walking program, supplemented with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support during the initial six months, with additional help available for the subsequent six months to encourage adherence.
The researchers are providing instruction on the Mediterranean diet, clarifying its differences from a typical Australian diet. For example, they provide free extra-virgin olive oil, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, and other foods. After an assessment of participants' baseline aerobic fitness, they engage in group walking sessions for the first six months before transitioning to monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet but not associated with the current study, told Medical News Today that earlier studies have suggested a link between a Mediterranean diet and reduced cases of dementia. Other research, such as one published in 2023, also found an association between a Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Middelmann cautioned that while these findings indicate a potential connection, numerous factors may influence dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
Regular walking is also associated with slower cognitive decline. A study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken daily and a reduced risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps lowering the risk by 50%. Furthermore, studies have linked walking speed and dementia diagnosis, and research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that aerobic exercise like walking can help improve cognitive impairment.
The current study's data collection period will be completed by the end of 2023. The researchers believe the MedWalk intervention offers a promising approach to mitigating cognitive decline and reducing the risk of dementia by combining the Mediterranean diet with regular walking. By adopting these lifestyle changes, individuals may potentially enhance their cognitive health and overall well-being. Further research will be necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of this approach and to develop personalized interventions tailored to individual needs.
- The study, investigating the "MedWalk" program, is examining its impact on brain health as a potential strategy to combat dementia and cognitive decline.
- The MedWalk program, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being studied for its potential benefits on various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia.
- Participants in the study are being assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group, with the MedWalk group receiving dietary modifications, supervised walking, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
- While the study is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it aims to observe the intervention's effects on a range of factors, such as mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
- Previous research has suggested a link between Mediterranean diets and a reduced risk of dementia, as well as a connection between regular walking and slower cognitive decline.
- Researchers believe that the MedWalk intervention, if effective, could offer a promising approach to reducing the risk of dementia and enhancing mental health, fitness, and nutrition through lifestyle changes.
