Improved Brain Health: Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Regular Exercise could offer protection
Researchers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are investigating the potential benefits of a combined lifestyle intervention—dubbed the "MedWalk intervention"—on dementia and cognitive decline. The study, which was initially planned to extend over two years, will conclude by the end of 2023.
The MedWalk intervention combines the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, two practices that have separately been linked to brain health. The study aims to assess the potential synergistic effects of these practices in promoting cognitive function and reducing the risk of dementia.
Previous studies have suggested that following a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's dementia. Similarly, research has associated regular walking with slower cognitive decline. The MedWalk intervention study aims to build upon these findings by evaluating the effects of the two practices in combination.
Recruitment for the study involves individuals aged 60 to 90 living in South Australia and Victoria. Participants are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group who maintain their usual diet and activity levels. The intervention includes dietary modification, a supervised walking regimen, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
The primary outcome of interest for the study authors is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. In addition, the researchers will observe the intervention's effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The study, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has reduced its follow-up period to one year and expanded its sample size. Special attention is being paid to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
In an interview with Medical News Today, Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, stated, "Studies suggest a link between the Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia, but it's important to factor in other influencing factors, like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health."
Regarding walking's potential benefits for cognitive health, Ryan Glatt, a brain health coach from the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, explained that walking may improve brain health through increased blood flow, enhanced brain activity, reduced stress, and feelings of well-being.
analyses from 2023 found an association between a Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. Another study found that taking 10,000 steps a day could lower the risk of dementia by 50%.
While the MedWalk intervention study's data-collection period will be completed by the end of 2023, the researchers hope to conduct follow-up assessments to continue observing the long-term effects of the intervention on cognitive health.
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking, is being investigated for its potential benefits on dementia and cognitive decline.
- The study aims to evaluate the synergistic effects of these practices on promoting cognitive function and reducing the risk of dementia.
- Participants in the study, aged 60 to 90, are assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group, with the intervention including dietary modification, a supervised walking regimen, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
- The primary outcome of interest for the study authors is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants, with additional observations on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
- Research from 2023 suggests an association between the Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, and another study finds that taking 10,000 steps a day could lower the risk of dementia by 50%.
- The researchers hope to conduct follow-up assessments after the data-collection period ending in 2023 to observe the long-term effects of the MedWalk intervention on cognitive health.
