Mental Sharpening: Mediterranean Diet and Active Lifestyle Offer Potential Shield against Memory Decline
A pioneering investigation dubbed the "MedWalk" project is exploring the combined impact of adhering to the Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease. The brains of participants engaging in this innovative lifestyle intervention may well reap significant benefits.
The MedWalk shorthand refers to a combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking regularly, both of which have been associated with cognitive health. This study aims to confirm the benefits of this holistic lifestyle change.
The multi-national study is currently in progress, with researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK participating. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the original timeline, the data collected so far has been published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease to share the progress and ongoing analysis.
Initially designed to track cognitive health over a 2-year period, the trial has been adapted to a one-year follow-up due to the pandemic and its financial implications. The study now includes a larger sample of participants, with increased outreach to the broader community.
The study's primary focus is on visual memory and learning changes within participants over the 12-month period. Additionally, researchers are interested in assessing the intervention's impact on various aspects, such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
The project targets individuals aged 60-90 from South Australia and Victoria, drawing participants from independent living retirement communities and, due to the pandemic, the wider community as well.
Key elements of the MedWalk intervention include dietary modifications alongside a supervised walking regimen, supported by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants will receive extensive guidance for the initial six months, with continued support available for the next six months to ensure they stay committed to their new lifestyle.
Researchers will also provide information on the Mediterranean diet's unique aspects compared to a typical Australian diet to help participants better understand the dietary adjustments. As extra-virgin olive oil and certain foods are crucial for this diet, they will be made available to participants for free.
After the baseline assessment of participants' aerobic fitness, they will participate in structured group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the trial.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann highlighted previous research suggesting that following a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to fewer cases of dementia, lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, improved cognitive function, and better overall brain health.
Moreover, Ryan Glatt, brain health coach from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, explained that walking regularly not only supports cardiovascular health but also enhances cognition. Walking may increase brain blood flow, boost levels of brain activity, reduce stress, and improve feelings of well-being, potentially contributing to improved cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
The study is expected to conclude by the end of 2023, and its findings could provide crucial insights into the combined effects of the Mediterranean diet and walking on cognitive health and dementia risk. If successful, the MedWalk intervention may become a credible tool in the prevention and management of dementia and cognitive decline.
- The MedWalk project, a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being researched for its potential impact on dementia and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease.
- This study is aimed at confirming the benefits of this holistic lifestyle change and is being conducted by researchers from various countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.
- The MedWalk intervention includes dietary modifications, a supervised walking regimen, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques, with participants receiving extensive guidance for the initial six months.
- The project targets individuals aged 60-90, providing them with information on the Mediterranean diet, making certain foods and extra-virgin olive oil available to them for free.
- After an initial assessment of participants' aerobic fitness, they participate in structured group walking sessions for the first six months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the trial to maintain their commitment to their new lifestyle.
- Previous research has suggested that following a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of dementia, such as fewer cases of dementia, lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, improved cognitive function, and better overall brain health, while walking regularly may support cardiovascular health and enhance cognition, potentially contributing to improved cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline.
