Healthy cognitive function: Adherence to Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity potentially shields brain health
Let's dive into the latest study shining light on the union of the Mediterranean diet and a brisk walk, both separately known for boosting brain health. This intriguing study, dubbed the MedWalk intervention, aims to shed light on the combined effect of these habits on preventing dementia and cognitive decline. If you're curious about how this combo makes a difference, read on!
Here's the lowdown: Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are leading this groundbreaking study, which initially intended to assess cognitive function over a 2-year period. Unfortunately, due to the unforeseen complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the follow-up period has been reduced to a year. But the team remains optimistic that the modified study design promises robust results.
Wanna know what the study is hoping to find? Well, the focus is primarily on a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. The researchers are also keen to observe the intervention's potential effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness. It's a comprehensive exploration of the numerous ways this dynamic duo can affect our cognitive processes and overall well-being.
As for the participants, they're 60-90-year-old individuals hailing from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria. In light of the pandemic, participants have also been recruited from the larger community.
Behind the scenes, special attention is paid to biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, such as glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
The study randomly assigned participants to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group that maintains their regular diet and activity levels. The intervention consists of dietary modification, supervised walking, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Participants receive intensive support for the first 6 months, with additional help available for the following 6 months.
Ever wondered what makes a Mediterranean diet so special? Conner Middelmann, a certified nutritionist specializing in the Mediterranean diet, provides some insights. Studies suggest that following this diet decreases the risk of dementia. Moreover, other research links it to lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. But Middelmann cautions that multiple factors can influence dementia risk, so maintaining a balanced diet like the Mediterranean diet is simply one piece of the puzzle when it comes to brain health and dementia prevention.
As for walking, it's been linked to slower cognitive decline. One study discovered that taking 10,000 steps daily decreased the risk of dementia by 50%. Another study showed a connection between walking speed and dementia, while a 2017 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that exercise, including walking, can counter cognitive impairment.
So why does walking seem to benefit our brain health? Well, it may increase brain blood flow, depending on the intensity, duration, and frequency. It can also boost brain activity levels, reduce feelings of stress, and improve overall well-being. What's more, walking may offer social and natural elements that contribute to brain health benefits!
The MedWalk data-collection period is scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2023, so we'll have to wait and see if the results live up to the hype! In the meantime, consider incorporating these two powerhouse habits – the Mediterranean diet and regular walking – into your lifestyle and reap the rewards for your cognitive health. Stay curious, gang! 🧠💪soleil-emoji-0683
- The MedWalk intervention, a study combining the Mediterranean diet and brisk walking, is focused on understanding the combined effect of these habits in preventing dementia and cognitive decline.
- Researchers working on the MedWalk study are interested in observing changes in visual memory and learning, as well as potential effects on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and various biomarkers.
- Study participants, aged 60-90, are recruited from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, with some also being recruited from the larger community due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Participants are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group, with the intervention consisting of dietary modification, supervised walking, and psychosocial behavioral change techniques.
- The Mediterranean diet, known for its potential in reducing dementia risk, is special due to factors like glucose regulation, anti-inflammatory properties, presence of essential nutrients, and antioxidant effects.
- Regular walking, proven to reduce dementia risk, may benefit brain health by increasing brain blood flow, boosting brain activity levels, reducing stress, and offering social and natural elements, among other benefits.
