A new study led by researchers in Brazil suggests that resistance training could help delay or even reverse cognitive decline in older adults, offering a promising non-pharmacological strategy for dementia prevention.
Escalating Demand for Preventative Strategies in Dementia Care
There are approximately 57 million people affected by dementia globally as of 2021. The urgency for preventative approaches has never been greater. The neurological condition, which impairs memory and thinking, has no known cure and places a heavy burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.
“Since there is still no cure for dementia, finding ways to delay or prevent its onset — especially through accessible, non-pharmacological strategies — is essential to improve quality of life in ageing,” said lead researcher Isadora Ribeiro, PhD, of the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil.
Study Evaluates the Role of Strength Training in Cognitive Health
The study is published in the journal GeroScience. The study involved 44 adults aged 55 and older, all diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Participants were split into two groups: one group completed a moderate to high-intensity resistance training regimen twice a week for six months, while the other group did not engage in any structured exercise.
“We chose to study resistance training because its primary goal is to increase muscle strength, which is especially important in older adults,” said Ribeiro. “Research has shown that greater muscle strength is associated with a lower risk of dementia and better cognitive function.”
Evidence of Cognitive and Neural Enhancement
The participants who are in the weight training group demonstrated improvements in verbal episodic memory and in regions of the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease at the end of the study. Meanwhile, participants in the control group experienced a decline in cognitive performance.
“This is an interesting finding because it suggests that weight training may not only help to increase cognition, but also prevent the development of atrophy in regions related to Alzheimer’s disease — potentially delaying progression or even preventing the onset of dementia,” Ribeiro said.
Neuroimaging Confirms Structural Brain Benefits
The benefits weren’t just functional — they were structural as well. MRI scans revealed that the training group had improvements in white matter integrity, which supports communication across brain regions.
Reversal of Early Cognitive Decline Documented
Five participants in the weight training group no longer met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment by the end of the six-month period.
“This suggests that weight training may alter the clinical trajectory of individuals with mild cognitive impairment, shifting them from an increased risk of dementia to preserved cognition by the end of the study,” Ribeiro said.
Physiological Outcomes Extend Beyond Neurology
In addition to cognitive improvements, resistance training showed numerous benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key molecule that supports neuron health.
“Weight training can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and increase levels of neurotrophic factors like BDNF… Additionally, physical exercise stimulates the release of irisin, a hormone associated with neuroprotection and improved brain plasticity,” Ribeiro noted.
Research Pipeline to Investigate Mechanisms of Action
The research team plans to dive deeper into how resistance training exerts its effects on the brain. “We plan to explore the molecular mechanisms behind these effects, including biomarkers related to neuroplasticity, inflammation, and neurodegeneration,” said Ribeiro.
Conclusion
While the study was relatively small, its results offer compelling evidence that weight training may help protect ageing brains. Scientists continue to explore its mechanisms and long-term benefits, resistance training could become an essential component of dementia prevention strategies for older adults.