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Strength training is well known for helping older adults maintain muscle mass, bone density, and balance. New research suggests that lifting weights may also benefit the aging brain by changing its metabolic activity and making it appear biologically younger.>As people get older, maintaining muscle strength becomes increasingly important because the ability to generate force can diminish over time.
In a study of more than 300 adults between 62 and 70, researchers compared brain scans from people assigned to an intensive weight-training program, a moderate exercise regimen, or a non-exercise group. One year later, those who completed either type of resistance training showed brain age estimates that were approximately over 1 to 2 years younger.
Participants’ leg strength was evaluated using standardized testing equipment, while brain scans were used to track changes over time. Researchers repeated both assessments after a year of training and conducted a final follow-up two years later to see whether the benefits remained.
Researchers found that the effects extended beyond individual brain regions and networks. Changes were evident across the brain, and those following the more intensive strength routine also experienced increased functional connectivity involving prefrontal brain regions.
Follow-up testing found that the younger brain-age estimates remained two years after the training period. While aging-related changes in the brain accumulate over time, shifts of this size may be significant and have been linked with better cognitive function and a lower risk of future decline. In contrast, the participants who did not exercise showed no significant change in estimated brain age over the same period.
The study concludes that weight training may help slow age-related changes in the brain, as reflected by brain-age estimates. However, it remains unclear whether a younger brain-age measurement will ultimately translate into better memory and protection from cognitive decline later in life. Further research will be needed to answer that question.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Randomized controlled trial of resistance exercise and brain aging clocks
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