For those who are seeking for ways to combat devastating memory loss, a research from University of British Columbia revealed that resistance training can help delay brain deterioration.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society researched 155 women in 65 to 75 years of age. In the group, 54 subjects have a positive MRI scan result revealing brain lesions that indicates an aging brain. The team monitored these women for a year while they begin to perform three types of exercise program. This includes lifting weights once weekly, lifting weights twice per week, and stretching and balance training for the control group.
At the end of the year, another round of scan is done of the women’s brains. The control group has shown progression of brain lesions in both number and size. On the other hand, there's a delay in the progression of lesions in those who lifted weights twice weekly.
Other forms of strength training includes:
- push-ups
- leg squats
- resistance tubing
- free weight exercises
- resistance machine workouts
At our Manor Lake Assisted Living and memory care communities, we encourage our senior residents to participate in various workouts and physical activity offered to them. We also do believe that increasing physical activity in safe levels can significantly help slow down mental decline.
Contact Manor Lake BridgeMill to find out more about senior memory care.