Maintaining Mental Acuity: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle as Protective Measures
The MedWalk research delves into whether a combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking could lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. Essentially, the "MedWalk" term encapsulates a Mediterranean diet and regular walking.
Previous findings have suggested connections between the Mediterranean diet and walking, and brain health. With this new study, researchers hope to confirm the benefits of this dual intervention.
Led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the investigation was initially planned to observe participants for two years, examining cognitive changes over that period. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study's duration has been adjusted to a single year, and an expanded pool of participants has been recruited from independent living retirement communities, and even the larger community, as a result of the pandemic.
The primary focus of the study lies in observing the impact of the 12-month MedWalk intervention on visual memory and learning. Furthermore, the researchers are interested in monitoring the intervention's effect on various other areas, such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The study participants, aged between 60 and 90, are residents of South Australia and Victoria. The MedWalk intervention group follows a modified Mediterranean diet alongside a guided walking regimen, with support offered in the initial 6 months and continues for the remaining 6 months to help maintain compliance.
The Mediterranean diet offers several potential benefits to combat cognitive decline:- Antioxidants: Its antioxidant-rich nature fights oxidative stress and inflammation, which are believed to contribute significantly to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High in omega-3 fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid, crucial for brain health, the diet has been linked to improved cognitive function and reduced risk of cognitive decline.- Fiber: Fiber fosters a balanced gut microbiome, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.- Low Processed Foods: Its low consumption of processed grains and sugars decreases the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.- Avoiding Ultra-processed Foods: The diet discourages the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to dementia.
Walking, too, offers potential benefits:- Improved Blood Flow: Depending on intensity, duration, and frequency, walking can increase brain blood flow, enhancing overall brain health.- Brain Activity Levels: Research suggests that walking may benefit brain activity levels.- Stress Reduction: Regular walking may decrease feelings of stress while increasing overall well-being.- Social and Natural Elements: Walking can incorporate social elements and exposure to nature, both known to have positive impacts on brain health.
By merging the benefits of the Mediterranean diet with those of regular walking, the MedWalk intervention aims to utilize complementary advantages for cognitive health:- Synergistic Effects: A combination of nutritional support and enhanced cardiovascular health and brain perfusion.- Lifestyle Modifications: Both components are easy lifestyle changes that can be incorporated into daily routines, making the strategy sustainable and potentially effective.
The study is set to conclude by the end of 2023, providing valuable insights into the effects of lifestyle modifications on cognitive health, and offering potential contributions to comprehensive prevention strategies for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
- The MedWalk research investigates whether a combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking could lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's disease.
- In this study, researchers hope to confirm the benefits of the 12-month MedWalk intervention on visual memory and learning, as well as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study's duration has been adjusted to a single year, with an expanded pool of participants recruited from retirement communities and the larger community.
- The MedWalk intervention group in South Australia and Victoria follows a modified Mediterranean diet and a guided walking regimen, with support offered for the full 12 months.
- The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed foods, is believed to combat cognitive decline by fighting oxidative stress, improving cognitive function, and reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation.
- Walking, with its potential benefits such as improved blood flow, increased brain activity levels, stress reduction, and social and natural elements, complements the MedWalk intervention and could contribute to synergistic effects on cognitive health.
- By merging the benefits of the Mediterranean diet with those of regular walking, the MedWalk intervention aims to utilize complementary advantages for cognitive health, and potentially offer sustainable and effective lifestyle modifications.
- The study's conclusion is set for the end of 2023, providing valuable insights into the effects of lifestyle modifications on cognitive health and contributing to comprehensive prevention strategies for dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
- The findings from this health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health focused study could lead to the promotion of healthy diets and regular exercise as viable options for maintaining cognitive abilities in 2023 and beyond.
