Maintaining Cognitive Wellness: Adhering to the Mediterranean Diet and Leading an Active Lifestyle Could Offer Protection
Exploring the Brain-Boosting Duo: Mediterranean Diet and Walking
Researchers are diving deep into the potential advantages of a unique combo for mental acuity - the "MedWalk" intervention. MedWalk refers to a Mediterranean diet, coupled with consistent physical activity through walking. This research seeks to prove if this combo can significantly reduce cognitive decline and various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia.
Previous research hinted at both the Mediterranean diet and regular walking as being favorable for brain health, and this study aims to verify the same for the MedWalk combo. The study_initiated by researchers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure the study's success, the authors have publicly disclosed their analytical processes in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Initially designed to span over two years, the study period has been adjusted to cover one year, and researchers have expanded the sample size of participants. The research participants consist of adults aged between 60 and 90, residing in South Australia and Victoria.
Unraveling the Key Findings
The scientists are primarily focused on observing the 12-month change in visual memory and learning abilities among participants. Furthermore, they are interested in examining the intervention's impact on various aspects, such as mood, lifestyle quality, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The MedWalk intervention involves dietary modifications and a guided walking regimen reinforced by psychosocial techniques. To aid participants in adhering to the Mediterranean diet, they receive support for the initial six months, with additional resources at their disposal throughout the entire test period. Researchers offer information on the differences between a traditional Australian diet and the Mediterranean diet to help participants grasp the underlying concept.
The Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Function
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, told Medical News Today that research suggests a correlation between following the Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of dementia. Other studies dating back to and 2023 found an association between the Mediterranean diet and reduced rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia.
While such studies imply a link between the Mediterranean diet and dementia risk, it's essential to note that numerous factors can influence dementia risk, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Middelmann emphasized that maintaining a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is merely a single facet of a multifaceted approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
The Mediterranean diet may contribute to brain health through various means:
- The diet's antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, believed to be critical contributors to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- It provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, notably docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which plays a vital role in brain health. Previous research has linked omega-3s to enhanced cognitive function and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- The Mediterranean diet's high fiber content keeps the gut microbiome balanced.
- It is low in processed grains, sugars, and ultra-processed foods, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.
Moreover, sharing communal meals and engaging in regular exercise – both integral components of the Mediterranean diet – contribute to brain health as well.
Walking and Cognitive Health
Evidence indicates that regular exercise, including walking, strengthens cardiovascular health and shields against cognitive decline. Although there is limited research on the combined effects of the Mediterranean diet and walking, the assumption is that physical activity promotes brain health.
Walking potentially improves brain health through multiple pathways, such as:
- Increasing blood flow to the brain, depending on the intensity, duration, and frequency of the walks.
- Supporting and enhancing neuroplasticity.
- Reducing systemic inflammation.
- Promoting positive emotions and overall well-being.
- Incorporating social elements and environmental exposure, both of which may also contribute to brain benefits.
By the end of 2023, the study's data-collection phase is set to conclude. Despite the COVID-19 interruption, the authors remain optimistic that the modified study design will yield substantial findings.
- Researchers are investigating the potential benefits of the "MedWalk" intervention, a combination of Mediterranean diet and regular walking, in reducing cognitive decline and various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's dementia.
- In the study, initially planned for two years, scientists are focusing on observing changes in visual memory and learning abilities among participants, as well as analyzing its impact on mood, lifestyle quality, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and more.
- The MedWalk intervention includes dietary modifications, a guided walking regimen, and psychosocial techniques, with support for participants in adhering to the Mediterranean diet for the first six months.
- Researchers believe that a Mediterranean diet could lower the risk of dementia, as studies have associated it with reduced rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia.
- The Mediterranean diet may contribute to brain health through multiple means, including combating oxidative stress and inflammation, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids, maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, and reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.
- Regular exercise, such as walking, is believed to improve brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain, enhancing neuroplasticity, reducing systemic inflammation, promoting positive emotions, and incorporating social elements and environmental exposure.
