Maintaining Brain Health: Adopting the Mediterranean Diet and an Active Lifestyle as Possible Safeguards
Lookin' at the Latest Research on Dementia Prevention
Folks, let's chat about an intriguing study that combines two popular practices for cognitive health: following a Mediterranean diet and going for regular walks. They're calling it the "MedWalk" intervention, and it's being studied to see if it can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
Brainpower Boost with MedWalk
Both the Mediterranean diet and getting your steps in have been linked to better brain health. So, it's no surprise that this study seeks to determine if combining these two factors can yield even more impressive results. The study's expected to wrap up by 2023.
Insight into the MedWalk Intervention
Led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, this ongoing study aims to assess the effect of a MedWalk intervention on visual memory and learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness.
They've recruited participants aged 60-90 from retirement communities in South Australia and Victoria. Due to the pandemic, they've also enlisted individuals from the larger community.
The participants are divided into two groups: those following the MedWalk intervention and a control group maintaining their usual diet and activity levels.
The MedWalk intervention combines dietary modification with a supervised walking program, and participants receive ongoing support to help them stick to the plan. They're provided with resources explaining the Mediterranean diet and offered extra-virgin olive oil, a crucial component of the diet.
The Mediterranean Diet: A Brain's Best Friend?
Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in the Mediterranean diet, shares her insights with us. Studies suggest the Mediterranean diet may lower the risk of dementia. This is thought to be due to the diet's nutrient-rich composition, which fights oxidative stress and inflammation, aids in brain health, boosts cognitive function, and supports a balanced gut microbiome.
Step It Up to Save Your Steps
Regular walking is another powerful tool for cognitive health. Some studies show that taking 10,000 steps a day can slash the risk of dementia by half. Research also links walking to improved brain blood flow, increased brain activity, stress reduction, and better overall well-being.
So, let's get moving and keep our minds sharp! Stay tuned for more updates on the MedWalk intervention study results.
- The ongoing study, led by researchers from Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, is investigating the impact of a combined Mediterranean diet and walking program, known as the "MedWalk" intervention, on dementia and cognitive decline.
- Participants in the MedWalk intervention, aged 60-90, are following a dietary modification plan that includes a supervised walking program and receiving ongoing support to help them adhere to the plan.
- Certified nutritionist Conner Middelmann, who specializes in the Mediterranean diet, believes that the diet's nutrient-rich composition may lower the risk of dementia due to its ability to fight oxidative stress and inflammation, aid brain health, boost cognitive function, and support a balanced gut microbiome.
- While maintained comparable to the control group in terms of age and fitness levels, researchers hope that the combination of the Mediterranean diet and regular walking in the MedWalk intervention will yield more impressive results in reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.
- Researches are assessing the effect of the MedWalk intervention on visual memory and learning, mood, quality of life, health costs, cardiovascular health, and arterial stiffness during the study, which is expected to conclude by 2023.
- Some studies suggest that taking 10,000 steps a day can slash the risk of dementia by half, and walking is linked to improved brain blood flow, increased brain activity, stress reduction, and better overall well-being, making it another powerful tool for cognitive health.
