A non-obvious way to slow brain aging in the elderly has been named

Strength training can influence brain aging processes and support mental functions in older adults, international researchers have found.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to aif.ru, the results of a scientific study published in GeroScience showed that regular resistance exercises help slow down the biological aging of the brain and preserve cognitive abilities.

Previously, specialists had already confirmed the benefits of physical activity for memory and reducing the risk of dementia, but the main focus was on aerobic training. The impact of strength training remained insufficiently studied, which became the subject of the new research.

To assess the effect, scientists used so-called "brain clocks" — special algorithms that analyze MRI data and determine the biological age of the brain. If this indicator is lower than the actual age, it indicates more favorable aging processes.

One of the study's authors, Agustín Ibáñez, explained that the goal of the work was to verify whether strength training could change the very trajectory of brain aging.

The model was first tested on a sample of more than 2,400 healthy individuals, after which it was applied to a group of 309 volunteers aged 62 to 70. Participants were divided into three categories: those with intensive training three times a week, those with moderate physical activity (including home exercises), and those without any exercise.

After one year, people who regularly performed exercises showed improved connections between brain areas responsible for attention and planning. In addition, the biological age of their brains was on average 1.4–2.3 years lower, and this effect persisted even after two years. Notably, the changes were comprehensive in nature and affected the entire brain rather than individual areas.

Experts note that a positive effect was observed even with moderate exercise, while more intensive sessions did not always yield significantly better results. Among participants in the control group who did not engage in exercise, no such changes were detected.

According to the researchers, this is not about literal "rejuvenation" but rather a healthier aging scenario. At the same time, the authors emphasize that the study was conducted among healthy older adults, so its conclusions may not fully apply to other population groups.

Nevertheless, scientists believe that strength training can become an effective tool for preventing age-related cognitive impairments and maintaining brain health.