Strength Training Protects Your Brain Against Dementia

Lifting weights can slow age-related degeneration of the brain, studies suggest

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Are you worried about memory loss?

Nearly 50 million people worldwide have dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common degeneration of the brain. In the United States, 5.8 million people are currently living with Alzheimer’s. Experts expect the number to increase to 14 million by 2050.

It is a progressive disease with dementia symptoms worsening over time.

Though there is no cure, a study published in The Lancet indicates that the worldwide prevalence of Alzheimer’s could be cut by 35% if people would make lifestyle choices that protect brain health.

Your brain is a dynamic organ, continually remodelling itself in response to your lifestyle, and exercise is one of those positive lifestyle choices.

While the majority of studies have focused on aerobic exercise for brain health, new research suggests that strength training can have equally powerful effects.

Strong muscles, strong memory

Broadhouse et al. (2020) recruited 100 participants for a study that showed strength training can slow and even halt the degeneration…