Maintaining cognitive health: Adopting the Mediterranean diet and an active lifestyle could potentially provide protective benefits.
MedWalk Study: Combining Mediterranean Diet and Walking for Dementia Prevention
An ongoing research study, known as MedWalk, is investigating the potential benefits of a combination of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking on the prevention of dementia and cognitive decline. Conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, this study aims to assess the effects of this multifaceted intervention.
The researchers believe that the MedWalk intervention, which includes dietary modifications and a supervised walking regimen, may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementias, including Alzheimer's. While previous research has linked both a Mediterranean diet and walking to brain health, the MedWalk study hopes to confirmation the benefits of such combined intervention.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the follow-up period for this study has been reduced to one year, with the research ongoing. The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants.
In addition to observing changes in cognitive function, the study authors are also interested in the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness. Participants are 60-to-90-year-old individuals living in South Australia and Victoria, with some recruited from both independent living retirement communities and the larger community due to the pandemic.
Participants are assigned to either a MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The MedWalk intervention includes a combination of dietary modification, a supervised walking regimen, and behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first six months, with additional help available for the following six months to help them stay on track.
The Mediterranean diet may contribute to brain health through various mechanisms, including the presence of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. The consumption of ultra-processed foods is not encouraged in the diet. Walking regularly is associated with slower cognitive decline, improved brain blood flow, increased brain activity, lower stress levels, and feelings of well-being.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, noted to Medical News Today that several studies suggest a link between following a Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia. However, it's essential to consider that other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, may also influence dementia risk.
The data-collection period for the MedWalk study will be completed by the end of 2023. As of my knowledge cutoff in December 2023, it is not possible to provide real-time updates or access the unpublished findings of the study. However, the published data on their processes and ongoing analysis can be found in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Preliminary findings from similar studies suggest that multidomain interventions, such as the MedWalk study, can slow cognitive decline in at-risk elderly populations. Improved cognitive scores, better adherence to lifestyle changes, positive biomarker changes, and no significant side effects are possible outcomes for the MedWalk intervention.
- The ongoing MedWalk study, investigating a Mediterranean diet and regular walking for dementia prevention, involves researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
- The study aims to assess the effects of the MedWalk intervention, which includes a healthy diet and supervised walking, on the risk of cognitive decline and dementias like Alzheimer's.
- Although previous research has linked a Mediterranean diet and walking to brain health, the MedWalk study aims to confirm the benefits of their combined intervention.
- Participants, aged 60 to 90, are assigned to either a MedWalk group or a control group, with the MedWalk group receiving support for dietary modifications, supervised walking, and behavioral change techniques.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann noted to Medical News Today that several studies suggest a link between a Mediterranean diet and a reduced risk of dementia, but other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play a role.
- Preliminary findings from similar studies suggest that multidomain interventions like the MedWalk study can slow cognitive decline in elderly populations.
- The study's data-collection period will be completed by the end of 2023, and its processes and ongoing analysis can be found in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
