Both aerobic exercise & strength training improves older brains

A review of research has confirmed the benefits of at least moderate exercise to fight age-related cognitive decline, with different benefits for aerobic exercise and strength training.

A review of 39 studies investigating the effect of exercise on cognition in older adults (50+) confirms that physical exercise does indeed improve cognitive function in the over 50s, regardless of their cognitive status. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, multicomponent training and tai chi, all had significant effects. However, exercise sessions needed to be at least 45 minutes and moderate intensity. Because aerobic exercise and resistance training had different effects (aerobic exercise helped overall cognition, while resistance training was particularly beneficial for executive function and working memory), it’s recommended that an exercise program include both.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-04-aerobic-resistance-combo-boost-brain.html

Reference:

[4272] Northey, J. Michael, Cherbuin N., Pumpa K. Louise, Smee D. Jane, & Rattray B.
(2017). Exercise interventions for cognitive function in adults older than 50: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Br J Sports Med. bjsports - 2016-096587.

seniors

Exercise

aging

Related News

Feeling lonely linked to increased dementia risk

There's quite a bit of evidence now that socializing — having frequent contact with others — helps protect against cognitive impairment in old age. We also know that depression is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia.

Social isolation decreases myelin

Problems with myelin — demyelination (seen most dramatically in MS, but also in other forms of neurodegeneration, including normal

Dopamine decline underlies episodic memory decline in old age

The

Timing of hormone therapy critical for Alzheimer's risk

It’s been unclear whether hormone therapy helps older women reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s or in fact increases the risk.

Diet affects your chance of cognitive impairment in old age

In a large Mayo Clinic study, self-reported diet was found to be significantly associated with the risk of seniors developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia over a four-year period.

Exercise may be best way to protect against brain shrinkage

A study using data from the Lothian Birth Cohort (people born in Scotland in 1936) has analyzed brain scans of 638 participants when they were 73 years old.

Caffeine may block inflammation linked to cognitive impairment

Caffeine has been associated with a lower of developing Alzheimer's disease in some recent studies.

How green tea helps fight cognitive decline & dementia

Green tea is thought to have wide-ranging health benefits, especially in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, and diabetes.

Are sleep problems a key factor in Alzheimer’s?

I reported a few months ago on some evidence of a link between disturbed sleep and the development of Alzheimer’s. Now a mouse study adds to this evidence.

Why metabolic syndrome is linked to cognitive decline?

I’ve reported before on the growing evidence that metabolic syndrome in middle and old age is linked to greater risk of cognitive impairment in old age and faster decline.

Pages