Simple exercises twice a week are extremely good for the elderly.

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

Now, in a new study just 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 impact of strength training on the brains of older adults with mild cognitive impairment, experts from the University of Campinas (Brazil) conducted an experiment on 44 participants with mild cognitive impairment, meaning they were 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 trained in strength with weight training sessions twice a week at medium-to-high intensity and gradually increasing loads, while the other half did not exercise.

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

Discover surprising results for older adults in modern life

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

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

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

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

ILLUSTRATION: AI

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

He said that if the exercises are practiced for a longer period – for example, 3 years – it might even be possible to reverse the disease or delay its progression. This is certainly a great ray of hope and deserves further research in the future.

The results show that increased muscle strength helps reduce the risk of dementia, which is important because it could be a simple and inexpensive treatment to protect older adults from serious diseases.

The researchers added: Non-pharmacological measures – such as weight training – are effective not only in preventing dementia but also in improving mild cognitive decline.

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