The Caring Corner®

Chatham County Home Care: Lifting Weights Could Boost Cognitive Function

November 22, 2016

An important aspect of home care is keeping active in the seniors years. Exercise helps to improve your health, but building muscle can help to boost brain power according to new research. A new study from Australia has found that increased muscle strength can lead to improved brain function in adults with MCI (mild cognitive impairment). Adults with MCI are at an increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s and other diseases. Those with MCI may have poor memory, but are able to live independently. The research showed a positive link between resistance training and brain function in people over 55. Muscle strength gains were related to improved cognition.

The study found that the stronger people became, the greater the brain benefited. The study found that those that lifted twice a week for six months, working to 80% of their peak strength showed a benefit that lasted for 12 months after the study and exercise sessions ended. Cognitive training did not see improvements in the study like the weight training sessions did. The key to positive results is to lift frequently, twice per week or more, at a high intensity so that you are maximizing your strength gains. The next step in the study is to see if brain size increases with muscle strength. Doctors want to optimize the exercise so that patients can enjoy the positive effects of cognitive performance.
Acorn provides screened and vetted in home care givers.
Our clients have dementia, Alzheimer’s, ALS and other similar conditions.
Call us if you have any questions.
We serve Chapel Hill, Carrboro and other nearby locations.

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