Diet and Active Lifestyle Linked to Better Cognitive Health Protection
A fascinating study titled "MedWalk" is currently underway, aiming to investigate whether a lifestyle intervention that combines a Mediterranean diet with a regular walking routine can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia.
The MedWalk intervention, a clever shorthand for the Mediterranean diet and walking, has already shown promising links to brain health in previous research. Quite simply, the MedWalk study seeks to confirm these findings by assessing the benefits of the combined approach.
Initiated by researchers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the study was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic but continues to collect data. Published details on the study's processes and ongoing analysis can be found in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Originally planned to assess cognition over a 2-year period, the follow-up period has been reduced to a single year due to pandemic-related timing and financial impacts. The study authors remain optimistic that the modified format will still yield strong results.
The primary focus of the study is the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Beyond this, the researchers are also interested in observing the intervention's effects on mood, quality of life, and health costs, as well as cardiovascular health and arterial stiffness.
Participants in the study are 60 to 90-year-olds residing in South Australia and Victoria, with individuals recruited from independent living retirement communities and, due to the pandemic, from the larger community as well.
Special attention is given to biomarkers related to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Researchers assigned participants to either a MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity level. The MedWalk intervention consists of dietary modifications, supervised walking, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques, with participants receiving intensive support for the first six months, with additional help available for the following six months.
A certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, suggested that following the Mediterranean diet is linked to fewer cases of dementia, citing multiple studies. While this connection has been established, Middelmann emphasized that other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health, may also influence dementia risk. Thus, maintaining a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet is merely one aspect of comprehensive brain health and dementia prevention.
Regarding the link between walking and cognitive health, research indicates a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the reduced risk of dementia. One study even reported a 50% lower risk of dementia in individuals taking 10,000 daily steps. Walking is believed to improve brain health by increasing blood flow, boosting cognitive activity, reducing stress levels, and bolstering feelings of well-being.
The current study's data collection will conclude by the end of 2023. This research could have far-reaching implications for public health strategies aimed at protecting the cognitive health of aging populations. Stay tuned for the final results!
The MedWalk study, a combination of Mediterranean diet and regular walking, aims to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in a diverse group of participants aged 60 to 90, residing in South Australia and Victoria. Despite the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the study continues its data collection, focusing on the 12-month change in visual memory and learning.
The MedWalk intervention consists of dietary modifications, supervised walking, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques, with participants receiving intensive support for six months, followed by additional help for the next six months. Alongside the primary focus, researchers are also interested in observing the intervention's effects on mood, quality of life, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
Special attention is given to biomarkers related to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress. A certified nutritionist, Conner Middelmann, has highlighted that following the Mediterranean diet could lead to fewer cases of dementia, although other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play significant roles.
Walking's positive impact on cognitive health is supported by research, with a dose-dependent relationship encouraging fewer cases of dementia. One study reported a 50% lower risk of dementia for individuals taking 10,000 daily steps. Walking is believed to foster brain health by increasing blood flow, boosting cognitive activity, reducing stress levels, and enhancing feelings of well-being.
The MedWalk study, which delves into the realm of mental health, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and nutrition, hopes to maintain or even improve the overall health of its participants through healthy diets and regular exercise. By the end of 2023, the study will wrap up, potentially revealing valuable insights that could shape future public health strategies for preserving the cognitive health of aging populations. Stay tuned for the final results!
