With physical exercise already known as a risk factor for dementia, incorporating a targeted training programme could offer even greater benefits by protecting the brain’s anatomy and slowing cognitive decline. Earlier this year, researchers from the Universidade Estadual de Campinas in Brazil published a new study which demonstrated that resistance training (also called strength or weight training) has a powerful impact on cognitive function and could improve memory-related symptoms typically associated with dementia.
The six-month study involved 44 adults aged 55 and older who were diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a condition which significantly increases the risk of developing dementia. Participants were split into two groups: 22 followed a supervised resistance training programme twice a week, performing 10 exercises which targeted major muscle groups; the other 22 formed a control group, continuing with their usual daily routines. Researchers used neuropsychological tests and MRI scans before and after the study, noting any structural brain or cognitive changes in the participants. Following the intervention, researchers found clear differences between the two groups.
Participants who engaged in resistance training performed better in verbal episodic memory and maintained volume in the key brain regions related to Alzheimer’s disease, such as the hippocampus (which plays a key role in memory) and precuneus (linked to attention and self-awareness). Meanwhile, the control group experienced brain volume shrinkage and showed no improvement during the cognitive and memory tests after the study. One of the key findings underscores the role of white matter—the brain’s communication network—in maintaining cognitive function. The combination of resistance training and preserved white matter integrity appears to help sustain memory performance and overall brain health.
The results of their work highlight the vital role which physical activity, especially resistance training plays on preserving cognitive function in older adults. Researchers suggest that resistance training at moderate to high intensity could be used as a therapeutic tool to help protect against atrophy of key regions in the brain essential for cognitive function. Physical activity, especially resistance training, continues to be an effective measure for dementia prevention but can also improve memory for those already in the early stages of cognitive decline. More information on this study is available here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01483-8