Simple exercises twice a week are great for the elderly

Now, in a new study published in the scientific journal GeroScience , scientists have found that a simple exercise twice a week can protect the brains of older adults from this dangerous disease, according to the medical news site News Medical.

To investigate the effects of strength training on the brains of older adults with mild cognitive impairment, experts from the State University of Campinas (Brazil) conducted a test on 44 participants with mild cognitive impairment, meaning they are at higher risk of developing dementia.

For older adults, dementia is a major problem that strongly affects quality of life.

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They were divided into two groups: Half did strength training with weight training sessions twice a week at moderate to high intensity and with gradually increasing loads, the other half did no exercise.

All participants were assessed on neuropsychological tests and MRI scans at the beginning and end of the study.

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Results showed that weight training not only improved memory performance but also changed brain structure in older adults.

Specifically, people who lifted weights twice a week for six months had reduced atrophy in the hippocampus and brain regions associated with Alzheimer's disease, as well as improved white matter integrity in the brain.

Our study shows that weight training is a powerful ally against dementia, even for those at high risk, said study leader Dr Isadora Ribeiro, from the School of Medicine at the State University of Campinas.

Weight training not only improves memory performance but also changes brain structure in older adults

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He emphasized: The prominent feature in people with mild cognitive impairment is that the brain regions related to Alzheimer's disease shrink. But weight training helps protect these brain regions from shrinking. This result proves the importance of regular weight training, especially for older people, according to News Medical.

He said that if practiced for a longer period of time - say three years - it could even reverse the disease or delay its progression. This is certainly a great ray of hope and needs further research in the future.

The finding that increased muscle strength reduces the risk of dementia is important because it could be a simple and inexpensive treatment that protects older adults from serious illness.

Non-drug interventions - such as weight training - are effective not only in preventing dementia but also in improving mild cognitive impairment, the researchers added.

In addition to weight training, squats and push-ups are also effective strength training exercises.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bai-tap-don-gian-2-lan-tuan-cuc-tot-cho-nguoi-lon-tuoi-185250419155713063.htm