What is the purpose of this research?
The study aims to determine if a combination of following a Mediterranean style of diet and walking-based exercise, slows the decline in brain function (cognition) that is commonly associated with older age.
A study we recently conducted is the only clinical trial to investigate the effect of a combined Mediterranean diet and exercise lifestyle intervention on cognition in older people. This small (pilot) study showed improved memory and thinking in a sub-group of older participants adhering to a combination of Mediterranean diet and daily walking for 6 months. We are now extending the pilot trial, into a 2-year, definitive clinical trial involving over 364 participants, across 28 sites in Victoria and South Australia. Translating this knowledge into a lifestyle program for behaviour change for the prevention of dementia could be physically, socially and economically significant.
This study will investigate the effects of diet and exercise on memory, attention and other mental functions. We will also investigate: mood, stress, fitness and wellbeing. While memory and other brain functions have been shown to normally decline over the lifespan, poorer diet and lack of exercise has been linked with a faster decline in brain functions. This research is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a combined Mediterranean diet and walking intervention (MedWalk), on cognitive decline in an older population, living independently without cognitive impairment. The study will examine participants’ memory and attention, heart and artery health, mood and wellbeing, and biological markers in blood and faeces following a 24-month lifestyle intervention.
This study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council as well as support from Cobram Estate. Additionally, the study is being conducted in association with a number of independent living providers including Australian Unity, BaptCare, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, Ryman Healthcare, ECH and Helping Hand
A study we recently conducted is the only clinical trial to investigate the effect of a combined Mediterranean diet and exercise lifestyle intervention on cognition in older people. This small (pilot) study showed improved memory and thinking in a sub-group of older participants adhering to a combination of Mediterranean diet and daily walking for 6 months. We are now extending the pilot trial, into a 2-year, definitive clinical trial involving over 364 participants, across 28 sites in Victoria and South Australia. Translating this knowledge into a lifestyle program for behaviour change for the prevention of dementia could be physically, socially and economically significant.
This study will investigate the effects of diet and exercise on memory, attention and other mental functions. We will also investigate: mood, stress, fitness and wellbeing. While memory and other brain functions have been shown to normally decline over the lifespan, poorer diet and lack of exercise has been linked with a faster decline in brain functions. This research is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a combined Mediterranean diet and walking intervention (MedWalk), on cognitive decline in an older population, living independently without cognitive impairment. The study will examine participants’ memory and attention, heart and artery health, mood and wellbeing, and biological markers in blood and faeces following a 24-month lifestyle intervention.
This study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council as well as support from Cobram Estate. Additionally, the study is being conducted in association with a number of independent living providers including Australian Unity, BaptCare, Villa Maria Catholic Homes, Ryman Healthcare, ECH and Helping Hand
What does participation in this research involve?
Participation in the study will involve attending assessment sessions at (or near) your facility of residence on 6 separate occasions aver a 24-month period. You will need to be available at your place of residence for assessment two (2) times at the beginning of the study, as well as every six (6) months across the 2-year duration of the study (total of 6 visits). Each assessment session will take approximately 2-3 hours.
We first need to confirm that you are eligible to take part, by asking about your medical history and any medication you may be taking.
For this trial we are seeking individuals who:
It is important that you do not take part in the study if you:
There are additional criteria for participation in this study which we will discuss with you via telephone, and at your first visit
Participation in the study may also involve making changes to your diet and the inclusion of regular walking exercise (intervention); this will depend on the study group your residential community is randomly allocated to. You may also be selected into a group where there is no requirement to make these lifestyle changes (control).
Those in the intervention group will be required to make adjustments to your diet and level of exercise over the 24-month assessment period. Dietary changes will involve eating a more Mediterranean style of diet, which is high in fruit, vegetables, legumes and fish, whilst being low in saturated fats, red meat and alcohol. Exercise change will involve a gradual increase in regular walking. Changes to diet and walking will be explained and supported through organised regular sessions at (or nearby) your living facility over the first year.
These sessions will be both individual and group support provided by dietary and exercise experts - every 2 weeks for the first 8 weeks, then monthly for the next 4 months, then every 3 months for the rest of the first year. There will also be regular group walking sessions conducted by a fitness/exercise professional on a weekly basis for the first 6 months, then monthly sessions for the following 6 months. Motivational support will also be provided throughout the study to help overcome any barriers you might have in adapting to these lifestyle changes.
Allocation to either the intervention or usual lifestyle (control) group will be done randomly by residential community site. Therefore, all participants who live at one facility will be in the same group. Allocation of sites to a group will be decided by chance (similar to flipping a coin) conducted by a person who is not directly involved in the trial. There is a 50% chance of being in the intervention group. It is important to understand that participants in both groups are equally important and essential to this study so we can properly test the study outcomes. Neither you nor we will know which group you will be in until you have completed Visit 2.
We first need to confirm that you are eligible to take part, by asking about your medical history and any medication you may be taking.
For this trial we are seeking individuals who:
- Are 60 to 90 years of age
- Live in independent living supported accommodation
- Are fluent in written and spoken English
- Are able to walk independently and free from major physical conditions that would prevent regular walking
- Are willing to provide blood and stool samples throughout the testing phases
- Are willing to participate in all scheduled assessments
- Are willing to participate in regular engagement sessions
It is important that you do not take part in the study if you:
- Have been diagnosed with dementia (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease) or other forms of cognitive impairment.
- Have a history of stroke or any other conditions that affect your brain function
- Participate (on average) in more than 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous leisure time physical activity per week AND are already eating a mostly Mediterranean style diet
- Have a diagnosed allergy or intolerance of food groups (e.g. olive oil/nuts/seafood) that would prevent you from eating a Mediterranean style diet
There are additional criteria for participation in this study which we will discuss with you via telephone, and at your first visit
Participation in the study may also involve making changes to your diet and the inclusion of regular walking exercise (intervention); this will depend on the study group your residential community is randomly allocated to. You may also be selected into a group where there is no requirement to make these lifestyle changes (control).
Those in the intervention group will be required to make adjustments to your diet and level of exercise over the 24-month assessment period. Dietary changes will involve eating a more Mediterranean style of diet, which is high in fruit, vegetables, legumes and fish, whilst being low in saturated fats, red meat and alcohol. Exercise change will involve a gradual increase in regular walking. Changes to diet and walking will be explained and supported through organised regular sessions at (or nearby) your living facility over the first year.
These sessions will be both individual and group support provided by dietary and exercise experts - every 2 weeks for the first 8 weeks, then monthly for the next 4 months, then every 3 months for the rest of the first year. There will also be regular group walking sessions conducted by a fitness/exercise professional on a weekly basis for the first 6 months, then monthly sessions for the following 6 months. Motivational support will also be provided throughout the study to help overcome any barriers you might have in adapting to these lifestyle changes.
Allocation to either the intervention or usual lifestyle (control) group will be done randomly by residential community site. Therefore, all participants who live at one facility will be in the same group. Allocation of sites to a group will be decided by chance (similar to flipping a coin) conducted by a person who is not directly involved in the trial. There is a 50% chance of being in the intervention group. It is important to understand that participants in both groups are equally important and essential to this study so we can properly test the study outcomes. Neither you nor we will know which group you will be in until you have completed Visit 2.
