MedWalk: A Groundbreaking Study on Dementia and Cognitive Health
Diet and exercise: Mediterranean lifestyle potentially shields against cognitive decline
Scientists are delving deep into the potential benefits of a new, comprehensive approach to cognitive health: the "MedWalk" intervention. This innovative plan combines the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, aiming to significantly lower the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia.
From Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, researchers are spearheading this exciting endeavor, which was initially designed to span two years but has now been modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, it's focusing on a one-year follow-up period, with a broader range of participants recruited from independent living retirement communities and the larger community at large.
The centerpiece of interest for the researchers is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Additional areas of interest include mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness. By analyzing biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress, the study aims to shed light on this pressing health concern.
Participants are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group that maintains their usual diet and activity level. The intervention includes dietary modification alongside supervised walking regimens, reinforced with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support in the first 6 months, with additional help available for the next 6 months to help them stay the course.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, has highlighted existing research that supports a link between the Mediterranean diet and reduced dementia risk. Numerous studies suggest a lower incidence of dementia among individuals following the Mediterranean diet, though it's essential to keep in mind that many factors contribute to dementia risk.
Walking regularly is also associated with slower cognitive decline, with more steps reducing the risk of dementia by 50%, according to some research. Exercise can improve brain blood flow, contribute to neuroplasticity, and reduce stress, potentially offering myriad benefits to overall brain health.
If you want to supercharge your cognitive health, consider adopting the MedWalk lifestyle. Fuel your body with the rich, nutrient-dense foods of the Mediterranean diet, and stay active throughout the day by embracing a walking routine. Remember that comprehensive lifestyle changes have the potential to create long-term, positive impacts on your cognitive health and wellbeing.
- The MedWalk intervention, a combined Mediterranean diet and regular walking plan, is being studied by scientists to lower the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia.
- Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are leading this two-year study although it's now focused on a one-year follow-up period, with a wider group of participants from independent living retirement communities and the larger community.
- Participants are either in the MedWalk intervention group, following a modified Mediterranean diet and supervised walking regimen, or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level.
- Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, points out that existing research links the Mediterranean diet to a reduced dementia risk.
- Regular walking, as supported by some research, is associated with slower cognitive decline, and can potentially improve brain blood flow, contribute to neuroplasticity, and reduce stress, benefiting overall brain health.
- To enhance cognitive health, consider adopting the MedWalk lifestyle by incorporating the nutrient-dense foods of the Mediterranean diet and embracing a daily walking routine, as comprehensive lifestyle changes can create long-term, positive effects on your cognitive health and wellness.
