By: Sara Buchbach, Royale Jackson, Robbye Johnson, Mackenzie Parker & Mollie Smith

What’s Being Claimed? Time Article: Strength training wards off Alzheimer’s and dementia. Journal Article: Physically and mentally stimulating activities are associated with decreased dementia prevalence/incidence and improved cognitive function in healthy individuals.

Hypothesis Time Article: Suggested a strength-training regimen improves brain function in older adults and can prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Journal Article: 6 months of supervised progressive resistance training or cognitive training would significantly improve cognitive function in older adults with a mild cognitive impairment, PRT and CT would both significantly improve cognitive outcomes across memory, executive function, and attention/speed domains, and a combo of PRT and CT would be superior to either PRT or CT alone for cognitive and functional benefits.

Methods 100 male and female participants aged 55 or older with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) were randomly divided into groups. Group #1: Resistance Training Resistance Exercises. Group #2: Cognitive Training Seated stretching, calisthenics, and some had brain training computerized program. Each member in the groups did their assigned workouts twice a week for 6 weeks.

Results Increased brain size in specific areas linked to cognitive improvement. Strength-training participants made large improvements on cognition tests. These results lasted for one year after the study ended. Seated stretching and calisthenics participants (Sham-Ex) showed no change in cognition tests (CT).

Can we believe ? ....Somewhat! Research study doesn’t prove that it prevents Alzheimer's but it’s not too far off. Did prove a link with cognitive function. Both articles say that more research needs to be done to determine the link between strength gains and cognitive performance.

Possible issues Type of study: Study was 6 months long and they followed up for only 78 months. Should’ve been longitudinal to see who developed Alzheimer’s or dementia in the future. Sample Size/Subjects: 100 Participants- not bad,but not great either. Out of 100- There were 32 Men, 68 Women, all were greater than 55 years old and had an MC.

Time Article vs. Jamda Article Lifting light weights 2x week for 6 weeks Age 55-86 w/ MCI Only 2 groups High Intensity 2-3x for 6 months Aged 55+ w/ MCI 4 groups Follow-Up

Implications Strong evidence showing support for physical activity and decreased dementia. MCI increases the risk for dementia with rates progressing 6-10% per year. 135 million people predicted to suffer from Dementia by 2050. It is important that seniors practice weight resistance exercises as prescribed(twice a week at a high intensity) to encourage a healthy aging population.

Conclusion The study showed a relationship between progressive resistance training (PRT) and brain function in older adults with a MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and Dementia. Specifically, strength gains, not aerobic activity. Able to show a causal relationship between resistance training and effects on brain functioning because the study was randomized and double-blind. More studies needed to identify the underlying physiological processes linked muscle strength, brain growth, and cognitive performance. Lower muscle strength is associated with higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease.

References MacMillan, Amanda. "This Type of Exercise Can Help Ward Off Alzheimer's." Time. Time, 28 Oct. 2016. Web. 05 Dec. 2016. Fiatarone Singh, Maria A., et. al. “Original Study: The Study of Mental And Resistance Training (SMART) Study-Resistance Training And/Or Cognitive Training In Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Sham Controlled Trial.” Journal Of The American Medical Directors Association 15.(2014): 873-880. ScienceDirect. Web. 5 Dec. 2016.