The Weight Training and Dementia Prevention Link - AI Podcast
Story at-a-glance
- A study from Brazil's State University of Campinas found twice-weekly weight training for six months preserved brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer's in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
- In this research, five of the 22 people in the resistance training group improved enough to no longer meet clinical criteria for cognitive impairment
- Exercise protects the brain through multiple mechanisms. It stimulates growth factors like BDNF, reduces inflammation, improves cerebral blood flow, and regulates stress hormones that contribute to cognitive decline
- For optimal longevity benefits, research suggests limiting strength training to 40 to 60 minutes weekly; exceeding 130 to 140 minutes may reverse health gains and even shorten your life
- Mind-body exercises like yoga and tai chi also benefit brain health. They lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, and improve executive function, attention, and processing speed
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