Staying sharp as we age is a major concern for many people. New research looked at how resistance training, or strength training, affects the brains of adults aged 60 and older who do not have cognitive impairment. The goal was to see if lifting weights or using resistance could improve executive functions, which are the mental skills we use to manage tasks and focus.
The analysis of 17 studies found that resistance training significantly improved working memory and cognitive flexibility compared to doing nothing or other types of exercise. However, the training did not show a significant effect on inhibitory control, which is the ability to ignore distractions. While the results are promising for specific types of mental agility, the evidence is currently considered low certainty because the studies varied a lot in how they were designed.
Because the methods used in these studies were not all the same, we should be cautious about how much we can conclude. While the data suggests that strength training can help with memory and mental flexibility, it is not a guaranteed fix for every type of cognitive challenge. Talk with your doctor to see how these types of exercises might fit into your personal health plan.
