Research
Mixed
Resistance training improves cognitive function and psychological well-being in older adults, and this benefit may be potentiated by high-quality protein intake.
Lift weights regularly. It helps your brain, mood, and memory. Combining it with good protein intake may offer the best protection against cognitive decline.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
evidence from meta-analyses suggests that participation in strength training results in improved cognitive performance... addition of combined strength and endurance training potentiates cognitive improvement when compared to participating in endurance training alone... higher dietary protein intake has been associated with better memory/recall... and a decreased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia
Why this rating
Based on meta-analyses and observational studies, but the paper notes mixed RCT results and a lack of definitive mechanistic understanding in healthy adults.
Source
Of Sound Mind and Body: Exploring the Diet-Strength Interaction in Healthy Aging
Andrew T. Askow et al. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 2020
DOI 10.3389/fnut.2020.00145
narrative_reviewCited 9×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Daily protein intake of ≥1.2 g/kg/day is likely superior to the standard RDA of 0.8 g/kg/day for supporting muscle mass and strength gains in older adults undergoing resistance training.Good
- Resistance training with heavy loads performed at maximal volitional velocity yields superior power gains compared to light-load power training, contradicting the view that lighter loads are inherently superior for power output.Moderate
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