Diet and Lifestyle Associated with Improved Cognitive Health: Mediterranean Diet and Regular Activity Recommended
Let's Dive into the Latest Study Combining Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity for Brain Health
Are you ready to boost your cognitive power and lower the risk of dementia? An ongoing study, known as the "MedWalk" study, is investigating the impact of a Mediterranean diet and walking regimen on dementia and cognitive decline.
Here's what makes this study exciting: both the Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity have long been linked to brain health. However, the MedWalk study aims to explore their combined effects in a single, comprehensive intervention.
Researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are conducting this study and published their ongoing analysis and processes in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Originally designed to assess cognition over a 2-year period, the study has been modified to a 1-year follow-up due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, what's the MedWalk study all about?
The MedWalk Intervention
The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modification and a supervised walking regimen, all while providing intensive support for the first 6 months. The goal is to help participants stick to their new lifestyle changes.
Citizens aged 60-90 living in South Australia and Victoria were recruited for the study, with many participants coming from independent living retirement communities. To help participants understand a Mediterranean diet, the researchers provide helpful resources such as extra-virgin olive oil and guidance on dietary changes. After an assessment of baseline fitness, participants join group walking sessions for the first 6 months, followed by monthly meetings for the rest of the test year.
The Mediterranean Diet and Cognitive Health
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, specializing in the Mediterranean diet, shared insight with Medical News Today. Previous studies suggest that adopting a Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of dementia due to its antioxidant-rich properties, beneficial fatty acids, fiber-rich contents, and low processed grain and sugar intake. Moreover, eating a Mediterranean diet and sharing meals with loved ones and regular exercise are attributes that have been tied to brain health.
How Walking Boosts Cognitive Health
Walking regularly has been linked to slower cognitive decline, with studies showing a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the reduced risk of dementia. For instance, one research showed a 50% lower risk of dementia for individuals taking 10,000 steps daily. Furthermore, walking may enhance brain blood flow, boost levels of brain activity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
A growing body of evidence suggests that the combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and physical activity, such as walking, may bring even more benefits to brain health. Keep an eye out for the findings of the ongoing MedWalk study!
- The MedWalk study, currently in progress, seeks to boost cognitive power and lower the risk of dementia by combining a Mediterranean diet and walking regimen.
- The MedWalk intervention involves dietary modification and a supervised walking regimen, offering intensive support for the first 6 months to help participants maintain their lifestyle changes.
- In the study, researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have recruited citizens aged 60-90 living in South Australia and Victoria, including many from independent living retirement communities.
- A Mediterranean diet, with its antioxidant-rich properties, beneficial fatty acids, and low processed grain and sugar intake, has been linked to a lower risk of dementia and improved brain health.
- Walking regularly has been found to delay cognitive decline, showing a dose-dependent relationship between the number of steps taken and the reduced risk of dementia.
- Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias may benefit from the combined effects of a Mediterranean diet and physical activity, like walking, as suggested by a growing body of evidence.
- Maintaining a healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean diet, along with regular exercise and personal interactions, are attributes that have been linked to overall brain health and well-being.
