Mind shield: Adopting Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle may bolster cognitive defense
The MedWalk endeavor, a blend of the Mediterranean diet and walking, is currently under investigation for its potential impact on dementia and cognitive decline. By combining two activities known to boost brain health - the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise - researchers hope to ascertain their combined effect.
The expected conclusion of this study, conducted by researchers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is that adhering to the "MedWalk" lifestyle may significantly diminish the risk of cognitive decline and certain dementias, such as Alzheimer's.
Originally designed to span over two years, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions, forcing the study to shorten its follow-up period to one year. Yet, the researchers remain optimistic that the modified design will yield robust findings.
Key focus will be awarded to the 12-month change in participants' visual memory and learning ability. The researchers will also observe the impact of MedWalk on various aspects, including individuals' mood, quality of life, health expenditures, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The study features a test group following the MedWalk intervention and a control group, maintaining their usual diet and activity levels. Participants range between 60-90 years old and reside in South Australia and Victoria, with some being recruited from independent living retirement communities while others joined from the wider community due to the pandemic.
This ongoing study draws particular attention to markers connected to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. By incorporating dietary modifications, supervised walking, and behavioral change techniques, the MedWalk intervention offers comprehensive support for participants.
Scientists have linked following a Mediterranean diet to lower rates of dementia in numerous studies. The potential advantages of the Mediterranean diet in fostering brain health might be attributed to its rich supply of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and its encouragement of sharing meals and regular exercise - all factors associated with cognitive benefits.
Walking regularly has also been associated with reduced cognitive decline rates. A study discovered that walking 10,000 steps daily may decrease the risk of dementia by half, while various research indicates that aerobic activity, such as walking, can mitigate cognitive impairments.
- The MedWalk study, a combination of the Mediterranean diet and walking, is being investigated to potentially lower the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s dementia.
- Originally set for a two-year span, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the study to alter its follow-up period to one year.
- In this study, researchers are focusing on the 12-month change in participants’ visual memory and learning ability, as well as their mood, quality of life, health expenditures, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and other relevant aspects.
- The research involves a test group following the MedWalk intervention and a control group, with participants ranging between 60-90 years old and residing in South Australia and Victoria, some from independent living retirement communities, and others from the wider community due to the pandemic.
- The study focuses on markers related to cognitive decline, including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress, and incorporates dietary modifications, supervised walking, and behavioral change techniques.
- Numerous studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to decreased rates of dementia, and regular walking has been associated with reduced cognitive decline, as walking 10,000 steps daily may potentially decrease the risk of dementia by half, while aerobic activities like walking have been shown to mitigate cognitive impairments.
