Lifting weights may help ward off dementia
A study from the University of Sydney has discovered a “positive casual link” between strong muscles and improved brain power in people over the age of 55.
The study examined 100 adults, aged between 55 and 80, with some form of mild cognitive impairment (a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease) and found that increasing muscle strength actually improved the brain function of those tested.
Lead author of the study Dr Yorgi Mavros said, “What we found is that the improvement in cognition function was related to their muscle strength gains.
“The stronger people became, the greater the benefit for their brain.”
The study divide people into four groups, conducting two sessions every week for six months. The first group combined resistance exercises with cognitive training, the second exercised without cognitive training, the third group did brain training without the physical exercise, and the fourth group did a placebo brain and physical training.
Researchers found the groups conducting resistance exercises drew the best results.
Dr Mavros said: "The more we can get people doing resistance training like weight lifting, the more likely we are to have a healthier ageing population.
"The key however is to make sure you are doing it frequently, at least twice a week, and at a high intensity so that you are maximising your strength gains.
"This will give you the maximum benefit for your brain."
Do you do any resistance training? Do you think you’ll feel compelled to do so after reading this research? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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