Study Finds Link Between Muscle Strength and Alzheimer's
Reuters reports on a new study that highlights the benefits of building muscles. The study found a link between stronger muscles and lower Alzheimer's risk.
The researchers measured the strength of nine muscle groups in the arms and legs of 970 dementia-free men and women 54 to 100 years old (their average age was around 80). They also tested the strength of study participants' breathing muscles.
During follow-up, which lasted about four years, 138 people developed Alzheimer's. These individuals were older and had worse mental function than the rest of the study participants. They also were weaker.
But even after the researchers adjusted for age and education level-which can influence Alzheimer's risk-they found that muscle strength had a strong influence on the risk of the disease. People who ranked in the top 10 percent for muscle strength were 61 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's than the weakest 10 percent. Stronger people also showed a slower decline in their mental abilities over time.
The study does not prove for certain that staying strong and in shape will lower Alzheimer's risk but it can't hurt. Dr. Patricia A. Boyle says the most likely reason for the link between muscle strength and Alzheimer's risk is that there is something causing both muscle weakness and loss of mental ability. Hopefully, someday we will be able to determine what that something is and prevent it.
