Dementia prevention: Adopting Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle may offer protection
Here Comes a Fascinating Study 🚀
Could a pinch of Mediterranean flair and a dash of daily exercise lead to a smarter, healthier you? That's what researchers aim to discover with a brand new study. They're focusing on an intriguing combo called the "MedWalk" intervention, designed to help guard against dementia and cognitive decline, and they need your help!
Brain Boosters: Mediterranean Diet & Walking Merge 🏃♀️🥐
You've probably heard that a Mediterranean diet paired with regular exercise can be good for your heart. But did you know it could also recharge your noggin? While both have been linked to brain health, scientists dig deep in this study to see the amazing results of this love duo 💘. The study is running through the end of 2023!
Previous research has proved that a Mediterranean diet and walking can work wonders separately, but they're excited to test their bond together. The combo could help older folks, age 60 to 90, keep their smarts ticking! This study, led by researchers hailing from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, has already shared the nitty-gritty about their research journey in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Designing the Study 👨🔬👩🔬
Originally planned to go on for 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic left them adjusting their timeline. They've since cut the follow-up period to just 1 year but still expect strong findings!
The researchers want to see if a 12-month change in visual memory and learning for participants will be noticeable. But they're also interested in assessing the intervention's effects on topics like mood, quality of life, and more. By the way, they're studying this group in two Australian states – South Australia and Victoria – and recruiting people from independent living retirement communities because they want people living their golden years to the fullest 🌟!
Getting Started
- This study aims to uncover whether a Mediterranean diet combined with daily exercise, known as the MedWalk intervention, can support mental health and combat dementia and cognitive decline in individuals aged 60 to 90.
- The scientific community has previously recognized the benefits of Mediterranean diets and regular exercise for heart health, but this study seeks to delve into the combined effects on brain health.
- Researchers in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting this study, and they believe that pairing the Mediterranean diet with walking could potentially help older adults maintain their cognitive abilities.
- The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, has already detail its research methods, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial 2-year follow-up period has been reduced to 1 year.
- The researchers are keen to observe changes in visual memory and learning among participants over the 12-month period, as well as the intervention's impact on topics such as mood and quality of life.
- Participants are being recruited from independent living retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria, with the goal of ensuring that those in their golden years can enjoy optimal health and wellness through a combination of healthy diets, fitness and exercise, mental health support, and nutritious choices.
