Kent Probst, BS, MEd
Kent Probst is the owner of Long Healthy Life Blog
You already know that one of the most insidious effects of aging is a decline in cognitive function. Read more to learn how resistance exercise improves cognitive function.
Someone you know may have dementia. It’s characterized by memory loss and confusion.
And if you have to care for someone who has it, the task is challenging to say the least.
Even if you don’t have dementia, it’s frustrating when you have short term memory loss, or have difficulty with problem solving and reasoning.
No need to beat yourself up about it. Quite often, cognitive decline is not related to anything you did.
Almost everyone wants to improve cognitive function.
We want to stay independent and mentally sharp, but aging just seems to creep up on us.
Sound like a conundrum? It doesn’t have to be. There are things you can do to improve cognitive function without drugs.
Fortunately, science keeps advancing, providing us with new solutions for improving cognitive function.
How does resistance exercise improve cognitive function?
The benefits of exercise are virtually endless regarding how resistance exercise improves cognitive function.
But did you know that some forms of exercise are better than others, especially when it comes to improving cognitive function?
Weight training, or resistance exercise, seems to be superior to cardiovascular exercise for preventing cognitive decline.
Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society demonstrated that resistance exercise can improve cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
How weight training helps cognitive function:
- Increased blood flow to the brain.
- Increased angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels)
- Increased neurogenesis (formation of new neurons)
- Increased production of neurotrophins (proteins that improve survival of brain cells and help with brain plasticity).
During weight training, something else occurs – greater production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and acetylcholine function to help learning, memory, sleep and mood.
Resistance Exercise – It’s the Smart Thing to Do
So now you have more arsenal for preventing cognitive decline and improving cognitive function.
You can reduce the risk of memory loss, and improve problem solving and other cognitive functions.
Adding weight training or resistance training to your fitness program at least 2 times per week will not only make your muscles stronger, but your brain as well.
And you’re more likely to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Go for it.
It’s a no-brainer!
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.
