A study published in the journal Lifestyle Medicine explores the impact of strength and muscle mass on cognitive decline in older adults. The study found that strength is a more significant predictor of cognitive performance than muscle mass. Strength explained about 5% of the variance in cognitive scores, while muscle mass only explained 0.5%. The research suggests that engaging in resistance training and getting stronger may be more important for cognitive health than focusing solely on muscle growth.
Key Points:
- Strength Matters More: A study involving 1,424 adults over 60 found that strength is a better predictor of cognitive performance than muscle mass. Strength explained 5% of cognitive score variance, while muscle mass only explained 0.5%.
- Muscle as an “Endocrine Organ”: While some theories suggested that having more muscle should protect against cognitive decline, the study found that muscle’s cognitive benefits appeared to be mediated by increased strength.
- Distinction Between Muscle Sources: The study suggests a distinction between muscle acquired through physical activity and muscle gained during weight gain. In large population studies, greater muscle mass may primarily indicate larger body size rather than greater strength and cognitive protection.
- Practical Takeaways: The study highlights the benefits of both muscle and strength, with an emphasis on the importance of resistance training for cognitive health. Engaging in resistance exercise, even without significant muscle gain, has a positive impact on cognitive performance.
- Resistance Training: The study shows that resistance training, particularly when performed at least once a week, has a significant positive effect on cognitive scores. This suggests that incorporating resistance exercises into one’s routine is crucial for maintaining cognitive health in older adults.
