Merging the Mediterranean and Stride: Unraveling the Impact on Dementia and Mental Decline
Maintaining Cognitive Wellness: Adhering to Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise could be Key.
Get ready to dive into an intriguing exploration of the MedStride project, a fascinating study investigating the combined impact of the Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline.
The research team behind MedStride has set out to uncover whether incorporating the Mediterannean dining approach and regular strolls into one's lifestyle can potentially lower the risks of mental decline and various degenerative brain conditions, including Alzheimer's dementia.
Previous Findings supporting MedStride
When it comes to brain health, both the Mediterranean diet and regular pacing have been tied to a wealth of positive phenomena. This study aims to build on these observations, investigating the potential synergy between these two practices.
The study, which commenced pre-pandemic and is supported by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is currently in the midst of its course.
The authors have already shared the study's strategies and ongoing analysis in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, providing the public with updates as they carry out research.
The MedStride Intervention
Originally designed for assessing cognition over a 2-year period, the ongoing pandemic and budget constraints have adapted the study timeline, shifting it to a single-year observation period. The research team remains optimistic that the modified study design will still lead to robust findings.
Among the aspects that the key players in the study are keen on observing include:
- The 12-month change in visual memory and learning skills among participants
- The intervention's effect on factors such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness
- Variations in biomarkers associated with cognitive decline - including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress
Participants for this study come from the 60-to-90 age bracket and reside in South Australia and Victoria, with some recruitment taking place from independent living retirement communities and the broader community due to the pandemic's impact.
Mediterranean Diet and Mental Fitness
Certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, has expressed her thoughts to Medical News Today regarding the study. Middelmann highlighted multiple studies indicating that adhering to a Mediterranean diet reduced risks of dementia. These studies were conducted in various years, including as recently as 2023.
Having said that, Middelmann advises maintaining caution, emphasizing that while research suggests a link between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced dementia risk, it is essential to remember that various factors play a part in dementia development, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
Middelmann believes that the Mediterranean diet might contribute to improving mental fitness in several ways:
- The diet's antioxidants combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are believed to contribute significantly to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- It is packed with vital omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for brain health and have been associated with improved cognitive function and a lower risk of mental decline.
- It offers high fiber content, which maintains the gut microbiome in balance.
- This diet is low in processed grains, sugars, and encourages the avoidance of ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to dementia.
- The social aspects of sharing meals and routine exercise, which are part of the Mediterranean lifestyle, have also been associated with mental health benefits.
Striding for Brain Health
Walking regularly has also been connected to slower cognitive decline. Research conducted in 2021 found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the risk reduction of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps on a daily basis lowering this risk by half.
Brain health coach Ryan Glatt, from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, explains the potential advantages of regular walking:
"Walking may enhance brain health by raising brain blood flow (depending on the intensity, duration, and frequency of walking), benefiting the level of brain activity, and reducing feelings of overall stress while improving feelings of well-being. Furthermore, walking may incorporate social elements and exposure to nature, both of which have positive effects on the brain."
The data-collection phase for the MedStride study will come to a close by the end of 2023. Stay tuned as we continue to witness the fascinating journey of uncovering how lifestyle choices can play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing mental well-being as we age!
- The MedStride study investigates the combined impact of the Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline, aiming to lower the risks of mental decline and degenerative brain conditions, including Alzheimer's dementia.
- While the Mediterranean diet and regular walking have been linked to brain health benefits, it's essential to remember that various factors contribute to dementia development, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
- Researchers behind MedStride are observing aspects like the intervention's effect on visual memory and learning skills, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
- Nutritionist Conner Middelmann emphasizes that the Mediterranean diet might contribute to improved mental fitness by combating oxidative stress and inflammation, increasing brain-friendly omega-3 fatty acids, maintaining balanced gut microbiomes, and involving social activities and exercise.
- An analysis from 2021 shows that walking may lower the risk of dementia by half, as it enhances brain health by raising brain blood flow, benefiting brain activity, reducing stress, and improving feelings of well-being.
- By incorporating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and sensible lifestyle choices, we can potentially play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing mental well-being as we age.
