Mental wellbeing: Adherence to Mediterranean diet and active living may offer protection
Studies are currently underway to explore the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on dementia and cognitive decline. Dubbed the "MedWalk intervention," this study aims to uncover if following such a lifestyle regimen can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
Despite the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the research continues, with scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom studying a diverse group of participants aged 60 to 90. These individuals are residents of independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria who were recruited for the study.
The primary focus of the study is assessing a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants. Additionally, researchers are keen to observe the intervention's effect on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The MedWalk intervention is a combination of dietary modifications and supervised walking, bolstered by psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive support for the first six months, with continued help remaining available for the following six months to help them adhere to the regimen.
Participants were assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their regular diets and activity levels. Researchers are offering guidance on how a Mediterranean diet differs from an Australian diet to help participants fully understand the dietary changes being encouraged.
Previous research has linked a Mediterranean diet to a decrease in dementia cases, with several studies suggesting an association between the diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Additionally, walking regularly has been shown to slow cognitive decline, with one study suggesting that taking 10,000 steps a day can halve the risk of dementia.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann informed Medical News Today that the Mediterranean diet likely bolsters brain health through mechanisms like:
- Antioxidants in the diet that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing factors to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for brain health and have been linked to improved cognitive function and a lower risk of cognitive decline
- Fiber in the diet to maintain a healthy gut microbiome balance
- Low intake of processed grains, sugars, and ultra-processed foods, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation
Walking may benefit brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain, depending on the intensity, duration, and frequency of walking. Additionally, regular walking can improve brain activity levels, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
By incorporating both lifestyle changes, the MedWalk intervention offers hope for a powerful prevention strategy against cognitive decline and dementia. The study's data collection period is set to conclude by the end of 2023.
- The MedWalk intervention, combining a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is underway to examine its potential impact on reducing the risk of cognitive decline and various types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's.
- Scientists from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are studying a diverse group of participants aged 60 to 90, with the primary focus being a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants.
- The research also aims to observe the intervention's effect on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist, suggested that the Mediterranean diet may bolster brain health through various mechanisms, including antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids for improved cognitive function, fiber for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome balance, and reduced intake of processed foods to combat insulin resistance and inflammation.
- Walking regularly, as part of the MedWalk intervention, could potentially benefit brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving overall well-being through higher brain activity levels, reduced stress, and improved mood.
- By incorporating both lifestyle changes, the MedWalk intervention presents a powerful prevention strategy against cognitive decline and dementia, with data collection set to conclude by the end of 2023.
