Mental wellness: Adopting Mediterranean diet and maintaining an active lifestyle could provide protection
The MedWalk Revolution: Combining a Mediterranean Diet and Walking to Boost Brain Power
Researchers worldwide are investigating the potential of a unique approach called MedWalk—a fusion of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking—to combat cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. This study aims to confirm the immense benefits of this combined intervention.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study, overseen by scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, has faced delays but continues to forge ahead. Check out the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease for updates on the process and analysis.
Originally designed to monitor cognition over a two-year period, the pandemic has led to changes in the follow-up period to just one year, as the research presses on with a broader participant pool.
The research team is primarily interested in observing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. They're also monitoring the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers related to cognitive decline.
Participants, aged between 60 and 90, hail from South Australia and Victoria, with some recruited from retirement communities and others from the broader community.
The MedWalk intervention brings together dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen. Participants receive extensive support for the first six months—with additional help available for the next six months—to ensure a successful transformation.
To help participants understand the Mediterranean diet concept, researchers provide free extra-virgin olive oil and other necessary foods. Furthermore, after an assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions during the first six months, followed by monthly group sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, not affiliated with the study, told Medical News Today that numerous studies show a link between a Mediterranean diet and a decreased risk of dementia.
While these studies suggest that following the Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of dementia, it's essential to consider various factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, that can influence dementia susceptibility.
The Mediterranean diet may improve brain health in several ways; it's rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed grains and sugars, all potentially contributing to a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Walking, too, has been linked with slower cognitive decline. A study found a dose-dependent relationship between taking 10,000 steps a day and a 50% lower risk of dementia. Other research demonstrates that walking can benefit brain health by increasing blood flow, boosting brain activity, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt, from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute (not involved in the current study), expounded on these benefits. Walking's social and nature aspects can also contribute to cognitive improvement.
The ongoing study will provide results by the end of 2023. As future research, the exploration of how dietary modifications and physical activity collaborate to influence cognitive decline could prove groundbreaking in the dementia prevention landscape.
- The MedWalk study, a combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking, is investigating its potential to combat cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.
- Researchers are particularly interested in observing improvements in visual memory and learning for participants as well as the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, and various health indicators.
- Participants, aged between 60 and 90, are from South Australia and Victoria, with some recruited from retirement communities and others from the broader community.
- The MedWalk intervention involves dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, with participants receiving support for a year and provided with necessary foods like extra-virgin olive oil.
- Nutritionist Conner Middelmann has suggested that numerous studies show a link between a Mediterranean diet and a decreased risk of dementia, but it's important to consider factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
- Walking has been found to be linked with slower cognitive decline, and its benefits include increased blood flow, reduced stress, and Enhanced overall health and well-being, with social and natural aspects also contributing to cognitive improvement.
