Mental wellness: Adopting a Mediterranean diet and an active lifestyle could potentially offer protection
Shedding Light on Brain Health:
A fascinating study is underway, exploring the potential impact of a unique combination on dementia and cognitive decline: the "MedWalk" intervention. MedWalk stands for a Mediterranean diet and regular walking.
Both the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise have been associated with better brain health, but this study aims to delve deeper, examining their synergy. The research will be completed by the end of 2023.
Brain Boosting Double act:
This study, initiated by researchers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, looks at the combined MedWalk intervention's effects. Originally designed to last two years, the study has been shortened to a single year due to the pandemic, with a broader participant base being recruited.
The primary focus of the study is on the 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants. Additionally, the researchers are keen to observe the intervention's impact on mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, arterial stiffness, and related biomarkers associated with cognitive decline.
The Participants:
Participants for the study are 60-90-year-olds residing in South Australia and Victoria. Individuals have been recruited from independent living retirement communities. The pandemic has necessitated a wider sampling from the general community as well.
MedWalk in Action:
Participants assigned to the MedWalk intervention group will follow a Mediterranean diet and engage in supervised walking. They will receive intensive support during the first six months and ongoing assistance for the following six. To help participants understand the dietary changes, researchers are providing instruction on the key differences between the Mediterranean diet and a typical Australian diet.
Mediterranean Diet and Cognition:
Studies suggest that adhering to the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a reduced risk of dementia. Moreover, research indicates that a Mediterranean diet may help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, promote omega-3 fatty acid consumption, support gut microbiome balance, and reduce processed grains and sugars - all of which could contribute to better brain health.
The Brain Benefits of Walking:
Regular walking is associated with slower cognitive decline. One study found that taking 10,000 steps a day lowered the risk of dementia by 50%. Walking may improve brain health by increasing blood flow, enhancing brain activity, reducing stress, and providing social and natural elements that could also contribute to better cognition.
In Other Research:
While a study specifically investigating the combined impact of a Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline is not ongoing, the complementary role of both interventions in protecting against cognitive decline and dementia is supported by existing research. Mixed evidence exists regarding the Mediterranean diet's effect on cognition; however, the MIND (Mediterranean-DASH) diet and regular physical activity are consistently associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Sources:
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – ScienceDirect
- alzheimersdisease.com
- ajcn.nutrition.org
- alzheimersdisease.com
- jamanetwork.com
Note: As of June 2025, there is no ongoing study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease specifically investigating the combined effect of a Mediterranean diet and walking on dementia and cognitive decline.
- The MedWalk intervention, consisting of a Mediterranean diet and regular walking, holds promise for improved brain health and potential reduction of dementia and cognitive decline, as per a current study.
- Despite the pandemic shortening the original duration of the study, researchers are still enthusiastic about understanding the synergy between the Mediterranean diet and regular exercise on brain health.
- Curious personas aged 60-90, residing in South Australia and Victoria, as well as the general community, have been invited to participate in the MedWalk study to observe changes in visual memory, learning, mood, quality of life, and various health indicators.
- Participants in the MedWalk intervention group will undergo intensive dietary and walking instructions and support, with the aim of adopting a healthy-diet plan similar to Mediterranean diets, which may help combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and provide other benefits for brain health.
- Navigating the scientific world, mixed evidence exists about the Mediterranean diet's direct influence on cognitive function; however, ongoing research continually supports the combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity to lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
- To ensure comprehensive mental health and wellness, it's essential to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and pay attention to other vital aspects like fitness and exercise, nutrition, and stress management for optimal brain health.
