How muscular strength can help with both prevention and survivability of dementia | Tommy Wood

Updated: November 19, 2024

Peter Attia MD


Summary

Strength plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of dementia and increasing survivability. High grip strength is linked to lower incident and mortality rates related to dementia. Resistance training in older adults can enhance cognitive function and white matter connectivity. Exercise releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), supporting neuronal function, while also improving blood sugar regulation and reducing systemic inflammation. These benefits of exercise are significant and can be enjoyed at any age.


Importance of Strength

Strength plays a crucial role in mitigating risk, including the avoidance of dementia and improved survivability. Individuals with high grip strength show reduced incident and mortality rates associated with dementia.

Physiological Impact of Strength

Resistance training in older individuals can lead to improved cognitive function and white matter connectivity. Novel movements stimulate the brain, muscle mass influences glucose regulation, and exercise releases factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which support neuronal function.

Multiple Positive Effects of Exercise

Exercise has multiple positive effects, including reducing systemic inflammation, supporting neuronal function, and improving blood sugar regulation. Its benefits are significant and can be implemented at any stage of life.


FAQ

Q: How does high grip strength relate to dementia?

A: Individuals with high grip strength show reduced incident and mortality rates associated with dementia.

Q: What is the impact of resistance training on cognitive function in older individuals?

A: Resistance training in older individuals can lead to improved cognitive function and white matter connectivity.

Q: What role does muscle mass play in glucose regulation?

A: Muscle mass influences glucose regulation.

Q: What factors does exercise release that support neuronal function?

A: Exercise releases factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which support neuronal function.

Q: What are some positive effects of exercise on the body?

A: Exercise has multiple positive effects, including reducing systemic inflammation, supporting neuronal function, and improving blood sugar regulation.

Q: At what stage of life can exercise be beneficial?

A: Exercise benefits are significant and can be implemented at any stage of life.

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