Maintaining Cognitive Wellness: The Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle as Potential Protective Measures
Groundbreaking Study Blends Mediterranean Diet and Walking to Battle Dementia
researchers are diving deep into an innovative approach to tackle cognitive decline and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. They're merging the benefits of a Mediterranean diet with regular walking, coining the term "MedWalk intervention."
Both the Mediterranean diet and regular strolling have shown promise for brain health individually, but this study aims to confirm the combined advantages. The study, temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, is administered by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Data on their methods and progress are published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The research team set their primary searchlight on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for the participants. They're also interested in observing how the MedWalk intervention affects various aspects, including mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Participants, aged between 60 to 90, hail from South Australia and Victoria, recruited from independent living retirement communities. Amid the pandemic, they also enrolled participants from the broader community.
Special attention is given to biomarkers linked to cognitive decline like glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants are distributed into either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The intervention unites dietary alterations with a guided walking regimen, bolstered by psychosocial behavioral change strategies. Participants receive thorough support for the initial six months, followed by continual assistance for the following six, to help them adhere to the plan.
The researchers provide guidance on distinguishing Mediterranean dietary habits from a typical Australian diet, equipping participants with a better understanding of the diet concept.
For example, participants receive extra-virgin olive oil for free, an essential Mediterranean diet staple. Additionally, they provide various foods to help them follow the diet.
After testing participants' baseline aerobic fitness, they engage in group walking sessions during the first six months, followed by monthly gatherings for the remainder of the trial year.
A Nutritionist Examines the Mediterranean Diet and Dementia
Certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, discussed its potential with Medical News Today. While studies suggest a link between the Mediterranean diet and reduced dementia risks, Middelmann cautions against relying on it solely. Other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play a significant role.
Middelmann noted that antioxidants in the Mediterranean diet can combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and potentially safeguard against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. It also provides omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain health, while reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation by curbing consumption of processed grains and sugars.
A Brain Health Coach Discusses the Benefits of Walking
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute shares insights on the advantages of walking. Regular walking can boost brain health in various ways, such as increasing blood flow, stimulating brain activity, reducing stress levels, and offering social benefits.
The study will complete the data-collection phase by the end of 2023.
- The MedWalk intervention, combining a Mediterranean diet with regular walking, is being studied to combat cognitive decline and dementia, specifically Alzheimer's.
- This study aims to confirm the combined benefits of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking on brain health, visual memory, learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Participants aged between 60 to 90 are recruited from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, as well as from the broader community.
- The research team is paying special attention to biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
- By following the MedWalk intervention, participants will undergo dietary changes and a guided walking regimen, along with psychosocial behavioral change strategies for support.
- A certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, believes that it can help reduce the risk of dementia, primarily via antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, while providing omega-3 fatty acids essential for brain health.
