Investigating the Power of MedWalk: Combining the Mediterranean Diet and Exercise for Cognitive Health
Maintaining Cognitive Ability: Adopting a Mediterranean Diet and an Active Lifestyle as Possible Protective Measures
Researchers are delving into the potential of the MedWalk intervention – a unique blend of the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise – to combat cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's. This study aims to confirm the combined benefits of these two well-known brain boosters.
Although the study was initially planned for a 2-year period, adjustments were necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the follow-up period to a single year. Conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the study is still ongoing and actively recruiting participants.
The primary focus of the study is a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. In addition, researchers aim to observe the intervention's effects on various aspects, such as mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
The participants for this study are 60-to-90-year-olds living in South Australia and Victoria, Australia. Some were recruited from independent living retirement communities, while others joined following the pandemic's onset from the larger community. Special attention is given to biomarkers associated with cognitive decline, including glucose regulation, inflammation, nutrients, and oxidative stress.
Participants are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity levels. The MedWalk intervention combines diet modifications with a supervised walking regimen, reinforced with psychosocial behavioral change techniques. Intensive support is provided during the first 6 months, with ongoing assistance for the subsequent 6 months.
Researchers offer guidance on the Mediterranean diet's differences from a typical Australian diet and supply extra-virgin olive oil, key components of the Mediterranean diet, to participants. After an initial assessment of baseline aerobic fitness, participants engage in group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly sessions for the remainder of the test year.
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, not involved in the current study, noted that following the Mediterranean diet is linked to fewer cases of dementia. Several studies have also found an association between the Mediterranean diet and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. However, Middelmann emphasized that genetics, lifestyle, and overall health also play critical roles in dementia risk.
The Mediterranean diet likely contributes to brain health in various ways, including:
- combating oxidative stress and inflammation
- providing omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain health
- maintaining a balanced gut microbiome
- reducing the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation
- discouraging the consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to dementia
- fostering social interactions and regular exercise, both associated with brain health.
Walking regularly has also been linked to slower cognitive decline. A study found a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the risk of dementia, with taking 10,000 steps a day lowering the risk by 50%. Other research indicates that walking can strengthen cognitive impairment and improve brain health in several ways, including increasing brain blood flow, reducing stress, and benefiting brain activity levels.
The data collection for this study will be completed by the end of 2023. The findings from the MedWalk intervention study could mark a significant step forward in understanding the combined potential of the Mediterranean diet and exercise for enhancing cognitive health and preventing dementia.
- The MedWalk intervention, a combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise, is being investigated by researchers for its potential to combat cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's.
- Conducted by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the study's primary focus 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.
- Participants are randomly assigned to either the MedWalk intervention group or a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity levels, with the MedWalk group receiving intensive support for diet modifications and a supervised walking regimen.
- Research suggests that following the Mediterranean diet, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, combats oxidative stress and inflammation, maintains a balanced gut microbiome, reduces the risk of insulin resistance and inflammation, and discourages the consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to dementia.
- Regular walking has been linked to slower cognitive decline, with a study showing that taking 10,000 steps a day lowers the risk of dementia by 50%.
- The data collection for this MedWalk intervention study will be completed by the end of 2023, and the findings could mark a significant step forward in understanding the combined potential of the Mediterranean diet and exercise for enhancing cognitive health and preventing dementia.
