Maintaining Brain Health: Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Regular Physical Activity May Offer Protection
Researchers are investigating a potential link between the MedWalk intervention—a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking—and reduced risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's dementia. This study, which is currently ongoing and expected to conclude by the end of 2023, is being conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The MedWalk intervention is a modified lifestyle approach consisting of dietary modifications, supervised walking, and psychological behavioral techniques. Participants, who are 60-90 years old, have been recruited from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, as well as from the wider community due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previous research has suggested that both a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity, such as walking, can have beneficial effects on brain health. This study hopes to confirm the advantages of the MedWalk intervention through analyzing changes in visual memory and learning over a 12-month period, as well as examining its impact on areas such as mood, quality of life, and health costs.
In addition, researchers will observe the intervention's effects on cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, glucose regulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Preliminary studies have indicated that following a Mediterranean diet may be associated with a lower risk of dementia, and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, and a low-processed grain and sugar content in the diet may contribute to brain health in various ways. Regular walking has also been linked to improved cognitive function, slower cognitive decline, and benefits to overall health.
By combining these two lifestyle components, researchers aim to investigate the potential synergistic effects on cognitive health. The results of this study could help to better understand and support preventative measures against dementia and cognitive decline.
According to Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, while studies have suggested a link between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia, it is essential to consider factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health when evaluating dementia risk. He encourages maintaining a healthy diet as part of a broader approach to brain health and dementia prevention.
The current study's data-collection period will be completed by the end of 2023.
[Enrichment Data]Dietary modifications in the MedWalk intervention (such as increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, as well as healthy fats) may contribute to cognitive health through nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. A Mediterranean diet can support brain function, neuroprotection, and potentially lower the risk of dementia and cognitive decline, due to its key components like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.Regular physical activity, such as walking, can enhance blood flow to the brain, support neuroplasticity, and improve overall health. Walking has been linked to benefits for cognitive function, reduced risk of cognitive decline, and perhaps even lower rates of Alzheimer's disease. By combining a Mediterranean diet with regular walking, it is reasonable to hypothesize a synergistic effect on cognitive health.
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being studied for its potential to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's dementia.
- Dietary modifications in the MedWalk intervention, such as increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, may contribute to cognitive health through nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Preliminary studies have indicated that following a Mediterranean diet may be associated with a lower risk of dementia, and regular walking has been linked to improved cognitive function and slower cognitive decline.
- Researchers aim to investigate the potential synergistic effects on cognitive health by combining these two lifestyle components in the ongoing MedWalk study.
- Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, encourages maintaining a healthy diet as part of a broader approach to brain health and dementia prevention, taking into account factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health when evaluating dementia risk.
- By the end of 2023, the data-collection period for the MedWalk study will be completed, and the results could help to better understand and support preventative measures against dementia and cognitive decline.
