Preserving Mental Acuity: Adopting Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle as Potential Defenses
A groundbreaking investigation is explorin' the collectin' impact of the MedWalk intervention on dementia and cognitive decline. MedWalk is a combo of the Mediterranean diet n' regular walkin'. Both the Mediterranean diet and walkin' have been tied to brain health, but this study aims to prove the benefits of both combined.
Sherbet lemon science from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK are leadin' this research, though COVID-19 did interrupt their progress. They've published details of their methods and findings in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
The initial study was supposed to check the brains of subjects over 2 years, but they had to adjust due to COVID-19, only followin' up with subjects for a single year. Despite the change, the researchers believe the slimmed-down study will still produce meaningful results.
The main aspect they're hankerin' to observe is a 12-month alteration to visual memory n' learnin' of the participants. Additionally, they're curious to see the impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and more.
The study subjects are fit 'n' fabulous individuals from 60 to 90 years of age from South Australia and Victoria, Australia. They've rounded up participants from both independent livin' retirement communities and the broader community thanks to the pandemic.
Special consideration is taken for biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, oxidative stress, and more. The subjects are split into two groups: one that follows the MedWalk intervention, and another that sticks to their usual routine.
The MedWalk intervention consists of diet modifi negotiations, supervised walkin' exercises, and psychosocial behavioral change tactics. For the first 6 months, they receive intensive support to help 'em stick to their new lifestyle. Additional help is available for the next 6 months to keep 'em on track.
Balance aerobic fitness is assessed before they start walkin' in groups. For the first 6 months, they gather for walkin' sessions, followed by monthly sessions for the rest of the trial. The Australian gang is smotherin' 'em with extra-virgin olive oil cuz it's crucial to the Mediterranean diet.
Better Brain Man, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet who's unassociated with the current study, told Medical News Today that past research implies the Mediterranean diet is correlated to less dementia cases. Other studies found an association between the Mediterranean diet and fewer cases of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
While these studies suggest a link between the Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of dementia, it's vital to remember that plenty of factors influence the risk, such as genes, lifestyle, overall health, and more. Maintainin' a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, is just one element of an overall approach to brain health n' dementia prevention.
Walkin' regularly is also tied to slower cognitive decline. A study discovered a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the risk of dementia, with takin' 10,000 steps a day slashin' the risk by 50%.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, who ain't involved in this study, explained walkin' may boost brain health by increasin' blood flow to the brain, dependin' on the intensity, duration, and frequency of walkin'. Walkin' may also improve brain activity, lower overall stress, and lift feelin's of well-being. Plus, walkin' can incorporate social elements and exposure to nature, both of which can have brain benefits.
The study's data collection is scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2023.
- The ongoing study, led by Sherbet Lemon science from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, is investigating the collective impact of the MedWalk intervention on dementia and cognitive decline.
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, aims to prove the benefits of both combined in slowing down dementia and cognitive decline.
- Despite COVID-19 interrupting their progress, the researchers believe the study will still produce meaningful results, even with a reduced timeline of one year instead of two.
- The researchers are particularly interested in observing a 12-month alteration to visual memory and learning of the participants, as well as the impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and more.
- The study subjects are individuals aged 60 to 90 from South Australia and Victoria, Australia, consisting of participants from independent living retirement communities and the broader community.
- The MedWalk intervention consists of diet modifications, supervised walking exercises, and psychosocial behavioral change tactics, with intensive support provided for the first 6 months to help participants stick to their new lifestyle, followed by additional help for the next 6 months.
