Recent research has identified a specific form of exercise that can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. This progressive brain condition, characterized by a gradual deterioration of brain function, affects millions of individuals worldwide and is expected to continue rising due to an ageing demographic.
The recent study, published in the journal GeroScience, focused on the impact of weight training as a protective measure for the brains of the elderly against dementia, including those with mild cognitive impairment. The research involved 44 adults aged 55 or older diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, who were divided into two groups. One group participated in a resistance exercise program with moderate to high-intensity sessions twice weekly, while the control group did not engage in any form of exercise throughout the study.
After six months, the group involved in weight training demonstrated improvements in verbal episodic memory as well as significant strengthening of neurons and areas of the brain linked with Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, the control group exhibited signs of deteriorating brain parameters.
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The study’s findings were particularly encouraging, as it indicated that several participants in the weightlifting group no longer met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment by the end of the trial. Additionally, previous research detailed in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association had suggested a connection between physical activity and a lower dementia risk.
The lead author of the study, Amal Wanigatunga, emphasized that increasing physical activity, even minimally, can reduce dementia risk in older adults. The potential impact of these findings is significant, especially considering the absence of a cure for this ageing-related brain disorder.
In light of these insights, it is evident that weight training could be a valuable and accessible strategy for cognitive health and overall wellbeing. The potential benefits of resistance training in preserving cognition and potentially preventing the onset of dementia offer hope for individuals at risk for this debilitating condition.
The NHS recommends simple strength training exercises that can be easily performed at home, including bicep curls and wall press-ups.