Healthy Brain: Adhering to Mediterranean Diet and Leading an Active Lifestyle May Provide Protection
Fascinating Study Combines Mediterranean Diet and Walking to combat Dementia and Cognitive Decline
Get ready to ditch those dementia worries! A groundbreaking study nicknamed "MedWalk" is investigating whether following a Mediterranean-infused stroll routine can significantly lower your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Here's the scoop!
This captivating study, still in progress, is led by researchers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The study aims to determine the combined effect of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, both linked to brain health, on cognitive enhancement.
Insight: Originally conceived to run for 2 years, the study has been modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the research focus now centering on a single-year study and a larger participant pool.
The primary focus of the researchers is on measuring a 12-month change in visual memory and learning among participants aged 60-90 years residing in South Australia and Victoria. But, that's just the beginning!
The study also probes the intervention's impact on aspects such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness. Aren't these fascinating areas of inquiry?
Did You Know? Apart from cognitive effects, the study also delves into biomarkers related to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group following the MedWalk routine or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The MedWalk intervention involves a combination of dietary modifications, guided walking sessions, and behavioral change techniques.
Insight: For your information, here's a tidbit–participants receive intensive support during the first 6 months, with additional assistance available throughout the year to help them stay on track. The researchers provide instruction on the Mediterranean diet, complete with free extra-virgin olive oil to encourage compliance!
The study kick-started with a baseline aerobic fitness assessment, followed by group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the year. Sounds like quite the active adventure!
Mediterranean Diet and Cognition
Certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, not involved in the study, shared exciting insights about the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for brain health with Medical News Today.
Studies linked to the Mediterranean diet have shown a decrease in dementia cases and a lower occurrence of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. But, bear in mind that various factors contribute to dementia risk, including lifestyle, genetics, and overall health.
So, while the Mediterranean diet shows promise, it's just one piece of the puzzle in the journey towards maintaining optimal brain health.
Insight: The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed grains and sugars, may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, improve cognitive function, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
The social elements of sharing meals with loved ones and regular exercise are additional lifestyle factors associated with improved brain health, according to Middelmann.
Walking for Brain Health
Walking regularly is also believed to provide cognitive benefits, reducing the risk of dementia.
One study discovered a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and dementia risk reduction, with taking 10,000 steps a day potentially lowering risk by 50%. Amazing, right?
Brain health coach, Ryan Glatt from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, comments that walking may boost brain blood flow, improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and elevate feelings of well-being. Walking can even incorporate social elements and exposure to nature for an added brain boost!
Insight: The current study's data-collection period is scheduled to end by the end of 2023, so keep your eyes peeled for those all-important findings!
Stay tuned as we uncover more about the MedWalk intervention's potential for fighting dementia and cognitive decline. Learn how you can get started on your own MedWalk journey by adopting a Mediterranean diet and incorporating a brisk walk into your daily routine. Your brain will thank you!
- This captivating study, referred to as "MedWalk," is examining the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on cognitive enhancement and the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
- In addition to measuring changes in visual memory and learning, the study is investigating the intervention's effect on aspects such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- The study also delves into biomarkers related to cognitive decline, including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann believes that the Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and low in processed grains and sugars, can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, improve cognitive function, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
- One study discovered a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and dementia risk reduction, with taking 10,000 steps a day potentially lowering the risk by 50%.
- Brain health coach, Ryan Glatt, comments that walking may boost brain blood flow, improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and elevate feelings of mental health and well-being. Walking can even incorporate social elements and exposure to nature for an added brain boost.
