With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Study: Weight training for the elderly delays Alzheimer's better than aerobics
Residents exercise in a nursing home. The University of British Columbia released a new study on Tuesday, linking strength training to better brain function.
(
Alexander Heimann/Bongarts/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:50
Study: Weight training for the elderly delays Alzheimer's better than aerobics
The University of British Columbia released a new study on Tuesday linking strength training to better brain function.
The best way for seniors to ward off Alzheimer's disease may be to head to the gym and bee-line for the weights.
The University of British Columbia released a new study on Tuesday linking strength training to better brain function.
Eighty-six older women, all already demonstrating early signs of dementia, were observed by researchers. Some took weight training courses, while others took aerobics and a third group did exercises for toning and balance.
After six months the group that lifted weights showed the biggest improvement in memory, attention span, problem solving and decision-making.
Sponsored message
The discovery was backed up by a series of MRIs which showed changes in parts of the brain associated with cognitive behavior.
The question now is why that is. Researchers say it may not be the weights, but how you think about them. Compared to simple walking or running, progressive strength training requires greater attention — counting your reps, watching your form. As lifters increase the number and size of their weights, their brains are exercised even more.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
