Enhancing Cognitive Function: Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise as Potential Protective Factors
Study Assessing Combined Effects of Mediterranean Diet and Walking on Dementia Progression Underway
A joint research initiative, dubbed the "MedWalk intervention," is exploring the potential synergistic benefits of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia prevention and cognitive health preservation. The long-term project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.
The MedWalk intervention aims to determine whether adherence to this lifestyle regimen can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various dementias, including Alzheimer's dementia, which is the most common form of dementia. Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting the study.
The Mediterranean diet, characterized by the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, is known to contribute to brain health due to its rich nutritional profile. Previous studies have suggested a reduced incidence of dementia among individuals following a Mediterranean diet.
Similarly, regular physical activity, such as walking, is associated with slower cognitive decline. Some research indicates that taking approximately 10,000 steps daily can decrease the risk of dementia by half. Walking may also improve brain health through increased blood flow, enhanced neural activity, stress reduction, and well-being promotion.
The ongoing study, initially planned for a 2-year follow-up period, has been modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic to a 1-year observation period. Scientists are recruiting a broader sample of participants, primarily 60-to-90-year-old individuals from independent living retirement communities and the wider community, to accommodate the shortened timeline.
The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. Moreover, researchers are interested in observing the impact of the MedWalk intervention on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants in the study are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity levels. The intervention involves dietary modification and a supervised walking regimen backed by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive comprehensive support during the first six months, with additional help available for the following six months to ensure adherence.
Researchers provide guidance on the key components of the Mediterranean diet to help participants adjust their eating habits. For example, participants receive complimentary extra-virgin olive oil, a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, along with other suitable foods.
After an initial assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
The preliminary findings and ongoing analysis of the MedWalk intervention study have been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Further insights and conclusions will be awaited once the study reaches completion at the end of 2023.
- The MedWalk intervention, researching the combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, aspires to lower the risk of cognitive decline and various dementias like Alzheimer's.
- The synergistic benefits of this lifestyle regimen on dementia prevention and cognitive health preservation are the focus of the ongoing project, tentatively scheduled for completion in 2023.
- Scientists are recruiting participants aged 60 to 90, from independent living retirement communities, to observe the impact of the MedWalk intervention on factors like visual memory, mood, and quality of life.
- The study's primary focus is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants, as well as the influence of the MedWalk intervention on cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
- Participants in the study, randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group, receive guidance on adopting key components of the Mediterranean diet, such as the use of extra-virgin olive oil.
- After an initial aerobic fitness assessment, participants in the MedWalk intervention group engage in group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remaining six months to ensure adherence to the program.
