Resistance Training Helps Preserve Brain Chemistry

A 2023 study published in GeroScience explored how strength training might help protect brain health in older adults. The researchers studied adults between the ages of 60 and 80 to see if lifting weights twice a week for 12 weeks could keep the brain’s chemistry in balance while also improving physical strength.

Participants were split into two groups. One group did resistance training, which included lower-body exercises using weights heavy enough to challenge their muscles. They trained twice a week, doing several sets of each exercise. The other group didn’t do any exercise and served as a the control group.

To check changes in brain health, the researchers used a special brain scan called magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This scan measures certain brain chemicals that reflect how well the brain is working. The study focused on three of these chemicals: tNAA, which shows how healthy brain cells are; Glx, which helps brain cells communicate; and mIns, which can increase with aging or stress. These were all compared to a stable chemical in the brain called total creatine.

After 12 weeks, the control group showed signs of possible brain aging, with drops in tNAA and Glx in some brain areas. These changes were not seen in the strength training group. In fact, people who became stronger, especially in their legs, showed better brain chemical patterns. This means that building muscle may be linked to protecting the brain.

The results suggest that regular resistance training may do more than just keep the body strong—it could also help keep the brain healthy as people get older.