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Mental wellbeing: Maintaining a Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle could potentially offer shielding effects

Adequate cognitive health could potentially be safeguarded through the consumption of a Mediterranean diet and maintaining an active lifestyle.

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Adopting an active lifestyle and consuming a nutritious diet could potentially preserve brain...
Adopting an active lifestyle and consuming a nutritious diet could potentially preserve brain health and lessen the likelihood of dementia. Credit for the image goes to Kobus Louw/Getty Images.

Mental wellbeing: Maintaining a Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle could potentially offer shielding effects

A groundbreaking study dubbed the "MedWalk intervention" is currently examining the potential of combining a Mediterranean diet and regular walking to prevent dementia and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease. This interventional study combines the known benefits of a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, hoping to deliver compelling results on their combined impact on brain health.

Conducted by an international team of researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the study has faced the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic but remains steadfast in its pursuit of answers. The researchers' findings will be published in the established Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Originally designed to monitor cognitive health for two years, the study has adapted to the current circumstances, reducing the follow-up period to a year. With a broader sample of participants recruited from retirement communities and the general public, the scientists are optimistic that the modified study will yield robust findings.

The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. Additionally, the research aims to identify the intervention's effects on factors such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.

Participants for the study are individuals aged 60 to 90 from South Australia and Victoria, Australia. By providing participants with comprehensive instruction on the Mediterranean diet differences compared to a typical Australian diet, the researchers aim to help participants adopt this healthier lifestyle. Free extra-virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is offered, in addition to other essential foods.

After assessing each participant's baseline aerobic fitness, they engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remaining test year.

Related research has found an association between a Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia, as well as lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dementia. Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, advised that while these studies suggest a connection, other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play significant roles in dementia risk.

The Mediterranean diet's potential benefits for brain health stem from its rich antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber content, low processed grains and sugars, and minimal ultra-processed foods. Furthermore, sharing meals with loved ones and regular exercise, key elements of the Mediterranean diet, have also been linked to improved brain health.

Walking regularly has also been associated with slower cognitive decline, as a study found that taking 10,000 steps a day lowered the risk of dementia by 50%. Research has also shown links between walking speed and dementia prevention, along with the positive effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive impairment.

Brain health coach Ryan Glatt explains that walking may contribute to brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain, enhancing brain activity, reducing stress, and improving feelings of well-being while incorporating social and natural elements.

The MedWalk intervention study's data-collection period will end by 2023, anticipating an upcoming wealth of information on the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on mental health and dementia prevention.

  1. The "MedWalk intervention" study is exploring the potential of combining a Mediterranean diet and regular walking to prevent dementia and cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease.
  2. The study combines the known benefits of a Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, aiming to deliver compelling results on their combined impact on brain health.
  3. Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting the study, facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic but remaining steadfast in their pursuit of answers.
  4. The findings of the study will be published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
  5. Initially designed to monitor cognitive health for two years, the study has adapted to the current circumstances, reducing the follow-up period to a year.
  6. The study has a broader sample of participants, recruited from retirement communities and the general public, with participants aged 60 to 90 from South Australia and Victoria, Australia.
  7. Participants are given comprehensive instruction on the Mediterranean diet differences compared to a typical Australian diet, with free extra-virgin olive oil and other essential foods offered.
  8. After assessing each participant's baseline aerobic fitness, they engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remaining test year.
  9. The data-collection period for the MedWalk intervention study will end by 2023, anticipating an upcoming wealth of information on the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on mental health and dementia prevention.

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