Volume 31, Issue 1 (Winter 2024)
Intern Med Today 2024, 31(1): 0-0 |
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Hooshmand-Moghadam B, Gaeini A A. Resistance Training and Brain Health in Older Adults: A Preventive Role Against Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease. Intern Med Today 2024; 31 (1)
URL: http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-4105-en.html
URL: http://imtj.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-4105-en.html
1- Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran , b.hooshmand@um.ac.ir
2- Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2- Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (10 Views)
Background: As the global population ages, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have emerged as major public health concerns. Amid limited pharmacological solutions, resistance training (RT) has gained recognition as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to preserve cognitive function and brain health in older adults.
Objectives: This narrative review aims to synthesize the latest findings on the effects of RT on cognitive function in aging populations, explore the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms involved, and provide practical recommendations for exercise prescription tailored to cognitive health.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of clinical and preclinical studies was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to July 2025. Studies examining RT’s effects on cognition, brain structure, and related biomarkers in adults aged 60 years and older were included. Mechanistic insights were drawn from both human and animal models.
Results: Based on findings obtained, RT has been consistently associated with improvements in executive function, memory, and processing speed in older adults, especially those with mild cognitive impairment. Neuroprotective effects appear to be mediated through enhanced neurotrophic signaling (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor), improved metabolic and vascular health, reduced inflammation, and structural brain changes. Despite heterogeneity in study designs, RT demonstrates unique and complementary benefits relative to aerobic exercise. However, gaps remain in standardizing protocols and elucidating dose-response relationships.
Conclusion: Resistance training offers a multifaceted and accessible approach to maintaining cognitive vitality in aging populations. Its inclusion in public health and clinical guidelines for dementia prevention is strongly supported by current evidence. Future research should prioritize methodological consistency and explore synergistic effects with other lifestyle interventions.
Objectives: This narrative review aims to synthesize the latest findings on the effects of RT on cognitive function in aging populations, explore the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms involved, and provide practical recommendations for exercise prescription tailored to cognitive health.
Materials and Methods: A comprehensive review of clinical and preclinical studies was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to July 2025. Studies examining RT’s effects on cognition, brain structure, and related biomarkers in adults aged 60 years and older were included. Mechanistic insights were drawn from both human and animal models.
Results: Based on findings obtained, RT has been consistently associated with improvements in executive function, memory, and processing speed in older adults, especially those with mild cognitive impairment. Neuroprotective effects appear to be mediated through enhanced neurotrophic signaling (e.g., brain-derived neurotrophic factor), improved metabolic and vascular health, reduced inflammation, and structural brain changes. Despite heterogeneity in study designs, RT demonstrates unique and complementary benefits relative to aerobic exercise. However, gaps remain in standardizing protocols and elucidating dose-response relationships.
Conclusion: Resistance training offers a multifaceted and accessible approach to maintaining cognitive vitality in aging populations. Its inclusion in public health and clinical guidelines for dementia prevention is strongly supported by current evidence. Future research should prioritize methodological consistency and explore synergistic effects with other lifestyle interventions.
Keywords: Aging, Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive Dysfunction, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Neuroprotection, Resistance Training
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Mental Health
Received: 2025/09/17 | Accepted: 2024/07/19 | Published: 2024/12/8
Received: 2025/09/17 | Accepted: 2024/07/19 | Published: 2024/12/8
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